Kozhikode: Defending champions Aizawl FC extended their winning momentum to two matches defeating debutants Gokulam FC 2-0 at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Sunday. Daniel Addo’s own goal at the brink of half-time made it 1-0 before Andrei Ionescu’s wonderful strike seven minutes into the second-half sealed the win for the Reds.
Playing with confidence after beating table leaders Minerva Punjab at home, the reigning champions began with an attacking intent often pushing Gokulam deep into their own half. Overseas players Kobayashi and Ionescu were threatening all through the 45 minutes but the debutants held on until Addo’s one moment of madness made it 1-0 for the visitors.
With Gokulam happy to defend deep, Aizawl began to send in a flurry of crosses into the box and that move that fetched them the goal. Lalram Hmunmawia put in a low cross for Kobayashi from the left-flank which was directed into the net by the Ghanaian defender Addo much to the dismay of the home team.
Resuming from the break Paul Menezes’ boys took just seven minutes to double their lead. Attacking on the counter after snatching the ball from the opponents, Lalmuankima freed Ionescu on the right and the Romanian striker made no mistake blasting it into the net.
Gokulam on the other hand found chances hard to come but nearly pulled one back when substitute Francis came close to scoring. Aizawl custodian Abilash Paul however stood up to the task ensuring no hiccups as the Reds cruised to a comfortable victory.
The win also propelled the defending champions to the sixth position equal on points (10) with both Shillong Lajong and Mohun Bagan fourth and fifth respectively.
Meanwhile, Gokulam continued to remain in the ninth position with just four points from six outings.