2017–18 Aizawl FC season

Aizawl Football Club held its thirty-fourth season from 1 June 2017 to 31 May 2018, entering the 2017–18 I-League season as the defending champions finishing fifth. They reached the final of the Mizoram Premier League, losing to Chhinga Veng FC.[3] The club started in the 2018 AFC Champions League but lost to Zob Ahan in the playoff round.[4] This meant that they qualified for the 2018 AFC Cup where they finished bottom of the group.[5] In the Super Cup, they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by East Bengal.

Aizawl
2017–18 season
ChairmanRobert Romawia Royte
ManagerPaulo Menezes
(until 12 February)
Santosh Kashyap
(from 13 February)
StadiumRajiv Gandhi Stadium
I-League5th
Mizoram Premier LeagueRunners-up
AFC Champions LeaguePlay-off round
AFC CupGroup stage
Super CupQuarter finals
Top goalscorerLeague:
Yugo Kobayashi (4 goals)
Léonce Dodoz Zikahi (4 goals)

All:
Andrei Ionescu (12 goals)
Highest home attendance7,280 vs East Bengal
(16 January 2018)[1]
Lowest home attendance2,800 vs Gokulam Kerala
(2 March 2018)[2]
Average home league attendance4,255

Season overview

Pre-season

After winning the previous season, Khalid Jamil joined East Bengal. He was joined by fellow team members Mahmoud Amnah, Lalramchullova[6] and Brandon Vanlalremdika.[7][8] The loans of Albino Gomes, Ashutosh Mehta and Jayesh Rane ended without extensions, so these players returned to their respective clubs before the start of the 2017–18 season.[9] Fellow Mizo outfit Chinnga Veng F.C. signed Aizawl's goal-keeper, Zothanmawia ahead of this season's Mizoram Premier League.

In June 2017, Aizawl signed a former defender and ONGC captain, Lalchhuanawma Varte as their first signing of the season.[10] Later in June, Mohun Bagan announced the signing of Aizawl's defender Kingsley Obumneme;[11] Mohun Bagan announced the signing of Aizawl's defender, Kamo Stephane Bayi.[12]

A new coach, Paulo Menezes, was signed on 28 July.[13]

July

Kareem Omolaja signed by Aizawl FC from Minerva Punjab F.C.

In July, Aizawl signed former midfielder, David Lalrinmuana, from East Bengal. He had played for Aizawl in the 2012 I-League 2nd Division.[14] Aizawl also signed Nigerian defender Kareem Omolaja from Minerva Punjab, former Indian defender Shylo Malsawmtluanga from Bhawanipore F.C.[15]

East Bengal signed Aizawl's winger, Laldanmawia Ralte for the 2017–18 season on 9 July.[16]

On 23 July, in the ISL Draft, Kerala Blasters picked Lalthakima and Lalruatthara[17] and Bengaluru picked Zohmingliana Ralte.[18]

August

Aizawl announced the signing of former defender and local native Lalrozama Fanai from Fateh Hyderabad F.C. on 9 August.[19]

On 18 August, Aizawl signed Japanese forward, Yugo Kobayashi from Songkhla United F.C. and a custodian, Avilash Paul from Pune F.C.[20]

Aizawl also signed Ivorian striker Léonce Dodoz Zikahi on 20 August. He had played for Mohammedan Sporting in I-League 2nd Division in the 2016–2017 season.[21] On 24 August, Aizawl signed Afghan defender, Masih Saighani, from the German club Türk Gücü Friedberg.[22] The team signed Romanian striker Andrei Ionescu from FC Voluntari on 26 August.[23] On 28 August, Aizawl announced their squad for the Mizoram Premier League.[24]

On 31 August, Aizawl started their 2017–18 season with an away match against Ramhlun North in the 2017–18 Mizoram Premier League. Aizawl gave away an early lead to the home team, with Lalliansanga scoring for Ramhlun North in the 12th minute. They tied the score in the 35th minute with a strike from Jonathan Lalrawngbawla (Jojo). Neither team scored a goal in the second half resulting in a tie score for the match.

September

On 1 September, Aizawl signed Liandala Fanai from Chennai City F.C.[25]

Aizawl drew their second match on 8 September against Chanmari with a goal scored by both teams. Lalmuanawma scored for Chanmari in the 26th minute and David Lalrinmuana scored in the injury time of first half.[26]

On 15 September, Aizawl played their first home match against Chhinga Veng that ended in a draw. Lalthathanga Khawlhring scored for Aizawl in the 19th minute but Malsawmfela scored for Chhinga Veng three minutes later. Khawlhring scored an own-goal in the 36th minute, giving the advantage to Chhinga Veng by half-time. Jojo scored for Aizawl in the 47th minute.[27] Aizawl lost their first match in the tournament to Chanmari West 0–1 in an away match on 18 September. Lalremruata scored the only goal of the match for Chanmari West in the 74th minute. This loss placed Aizawl in seventh position with just three points in four matches.[28]

Aizawl secured their first win of the tournament by defeating the Mizoram Police FC by 6–1 on 21 September. Rochharzela scored the first hat-trick for Aizawl in the tournament with Hmingthanmawia, Alfred Jaryan and Jojo each scoring a goal. Kareem Omolaja scored the lone goal for the Mizoram Police.[29] On 28 September, Aizawl secured their second consecutive win in the tournament defeating Dinthar. Omolaja and Jojo each scored for Aizawl in the first half within two minutes of each other. Lalmuankima scored the third goal for Aizawl. The two wins placed Aizawl in third position at the end of September.[30]

October

On 3 October, Aizawl played Bethlehem who scored first with a goal by Dawngzela in the 36th minute, and again just before half-time with a goal by Samson Ramengmawia. They maintained their lead in the second-half winning the match by 2–0.[31]

After a defeat in their first tournament meeting, Mizoram Police came back strongly on 13 October to tie the match 2–2 with Aizawl. With the loss and draw Aizawl dropped to fourth position with six games remaining in this League Stage. Aizawl beat Chanmari by 3–1 on 19 October. Malsawmzuala scored the first goal for Chanmari in the 20th minute. Aizawl responded with William Lalnunfela and Ionescu each scoring in the space of four minutes. Lalnunfela scored his second match goal in the second half.[32]

On 24 October, Aizawl defeated Bethlehem with a 5–1 win. Lalmuankima scored first for Aizawl in the 17th minute, but Lalnuntluanga equalized for Bethlehem three minutes later. Lalrinmuana scored a second Aizawl goal in the 25th minute and doubled their lead in the first half with a goal from their international defender, Saighani. In the second half Aizawl scored two goals, one each from Lalrinmuana and Rochharzela.[33] Aizawl defeated the in-form Chhinga Veng with a 2–0 win on 26 October. Lalmuankima scored the first goal of the match for Aizawl in the 16th minute. Chhinga Veng was never able to break the Aizawl defense. Aizawl doubled their lead in the final minutes with a goal from Jojo.[34]

November

On 1 November, Aizawl completed their first double of the tournament over Dinthar with a 4–0 victory. Lalrinmuana scored for Aizawl in the ninth minute. Later, Lalmuankima and Ionescu scored a goal each. Aizawl ended the first half with a three-goal lead. Lalnunfela scored in the second half for Aizawl, securing their place in the semifinals.[35]

On 6 November, the AFC License was awarded to Aizawl FC, allowing the team to play in AFC Club competitions for the 2017–18 season.[36] With the rise in club-rankings as current I-League champions, Aizawl FC became first Indian club to play in AFC Play-off round.[37] Aizawl signed former East Bengal F.C. and NEROCA F.C. custodian Arup Debnath as a backup to their first choice player between the sticks on 7 November.[38]

On 10 November, Aizawl won 2–0 over Chanmari West scoring a goal in both halves. Saighani scored first for Aizawl in the 25th minute. Later, Lalnunfela scored the late goal in the 88th minute, securing the team's position in the top two in League Stage.[39] Aizawl lost their last game in the League Stage of the tournament against Ramhlun North on 17 November. Lalremruata scored for Ramhlun North in the final minutes to keep their hopes of advancing to semifinals alive.[40]

On 23 November in the MPL Semifinal first leg, Lalrinpuia of the Mizoram Police scored the first goal in the seventh minute. Aizawl responded when Afghan defender Saighani scored for Aizawl in the 22nd minute. Later, Lalhriatrenga put the I-League champion club ahead in the 85th minute. A last-minute goal scored by Police striker Joseph Lalfakzuala tied the score.[41] Aizawl announced the arrival of V Laltanpuia and Lalthathanga Khawlhring on loan from Mizoram Police FC and NorthEast United FC respectively for 2017–18 season.

Aizawl started the I-League with a 2–2 draw against East Bengal on 28 November in an away encounter. The Kolkata Giants scored first when Katsumi Yusa's corner was deflected by Brandon and Eduardo Ferreira headed in at the far post. Later, Katsumi doubled East Bengal's lead when Avilash was left wrong-footed from the initial shot taken by Mohammed Rafique which took a deflection off Katsumi and beat the goalkeeper. Aizawl scored within two minutes when David curled a free kick inside the box which was headed in by Lalnunfela. Aizawl tied in the final minutes of the match when William scored his second from a Khawlhring corner.[42][43]

I-League Position at the end of November

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
4Aizawl10102201

Source: [citation needed]

December

On 4 December in the MPL Semifinal second leg, Aizawl took the lead in the 14th minute with a strike from Lalmuankima. Mizoram Police FC tied three minutes later when Lalbiakhlua scored from a Valpuia delivery. In a penalty shootout, Aizawl scored to give the two-time MPL champions a 5–3 shootout victory.[44] On 8 December in the MPL Final, Chhinga Veng's Laldampuia scored in the fifth minute. Aizawl skipper Lalrinmuana almost struck an equalizer with a free-kick at the other end while Saighani also came close. The I-League champions did improve in the second half but missed a great chance to equalize late on as Saighani was gifted a great opportunity only for him to drill his effort right in front of Chhinga Veng FC's custodian Zothanmawia. This made Aizawl settle as runners-up.[3][45] Rochharzela was awarded the Best Young Player and H. Lalmuankima was awarded Best Forward of the Tournament for Mizoram Premier League.[46][47]

On 13 December, Aizawl clinched their first victory of the season scoring a late winner against Churchill Brothers at Aizawl. They missed the services of their top-scorer Lalnunfela for the match due to an ankle injury. The hosts were in complete control of the game and enjoyed the lion's share of possession right from the start but lack of finishing haunted them. They also had to replace Lalrinmuana early in the match because of a hamstring niggle.[48] It was only in the 88th minute that Aizawl could finally register a winning goal when Dodoz assisted Kobayashi, whose left-footed shot sailed past Churchill Brothers' custodian.[49][50]

On 18 December, Aizawl's 616-day unbeaten run at home in the I-League ended after losing their first home match since April 2016 to Shillong Lajong. After an array of chances, the score stood at 0–0 at the end of the first half. But Reds outclassed the home side in the second half. Aiman Al-Hagri's shot inside the box was blocked by the Aizawl's boys, but the ball fell to Lajong's winger Tlang who calmly curled the ball towards the far side of the net and scored the winning goal of the match.[51][52]

On 27 December, Aizawl ended Minerva Punjab's unbeaten run with a 2–1 crucial victory in Aizawl. The ball from Lalrinmuana's corner was guided to the far post of Minerva's goal by defender Omolaja to leave goalkeeper Rakshit Dagar completely stranded. Dodoz danced past Minerva's defender and slid the ball to Romanian midfielder Ionescu, who made no mistake as he slotted home his first goal of the season. Minerva pulled one back in the added time as Girik Khosla made the best out of the defensive lapses.[53][54]

On 31 December, Aizawl beat debutants Gokulam Kerala 0–2 in an away encounter. A low cross from left-flank by Hmunmawia took a deflection off Gokulam's Daniel Ashley Addo to Kobayashi, whose shot put the ball into the net in the 45th minute. After the changeover, Aizawl took only seven minutes to double the lead courtesy of Ionescu's efforts.[55]

I-League Position at the end of December

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
5Aizawl531174+310
Source: [citation needed]

January

On 1 January, Aizawl announced the signing of Mizo forward, Lalkhawpuimawia from Chhinga Veng.[56]

The Indian Super League side FC Goa signed Lalmuankima in a free transfer on 6 January.[57][58] On 7 January, Aizawl went down 2–0 to Mohun Bagan in an away encounter, the first match in 2018. The first goal came dramatically when Saighani outstretched his leg to deny Aser Pierrick Dipanda a finish on the cross but ended up tapping the ball into his own goal. Dicka doubled the lead for the Mariners, making the best use of a long ball as he dribbled past an advancing Avilash on the left before slotting it home with his left foot.[59]

On 13 January, Aizawl returned to their winning ways by outclassing Chennai City 2–0 in a home encounter. Kobayashi opened the scoring when he converted a penalty after Chennai City's Venyamin Shumeyko handled the ball while trying to stop Lalrinmuana inside the box. In the 33rd minute, Lalrinmuana latched on to a square pass from Ionescu and fired a left-footer which took a slight deflection off Dharmaraj Ravanan before rolling home to double the lead to Aizawl.[60] Aizawl played out a goalless draw against East Bengal in a home encounter on 16 January. Aizawl missed chances in the first half as Jaryan's shot flew just wide of the post and Lalnunfela failed to connect Albert Zohmingmawia's pass from six yards. In the second half, Vanlalremdika's curled effort from outside of the box was palmed away by Aizawl's custodian Avilash. Aizawl substitute Lalkhawpuimawia could not get his head to Laldinliana Renthlei's cross in the final ten minutes to seal the match.[61][62]

On 20 January, Aizawl lost their way as away side NEROCA came from behind in the second half to win the game 1–2. Nigerian defender Omolaja leaped above NEROCA's defenders to score for the home side with a cross from Ionescu after Zohmingmawia's corner was cleared from initial danger by Varney Kallon. Felix Chidi Odili scored the equalizer in the 65th minute after a team game broke the Aizawl defense. Turkovic stunned Aizawl in the dying embers of the game when he perfectly converted Biakzara's cross from the left wing.[63] On 25 January, Aizawl dropped points to Mohun Bagan in a home tie as the match was drawn at 1–1 with Aizawl dominating the match from start to finish. Aizawl's forward Kobayashi was booked for a challenge on Obumneme in the first minute. Jaryan chased down every ball in the middle and Dodoz tormented Bagan's backline. All the significant action on the field took place in the final 20 minutes as Khawlhring had put the home side ahead in the 73rd minute before Bagan's substitute Manandeep Singh restored parity from the penalty spot just five minutes later. In the dying minutes of the match, while Aizawl was searching for a winner, Jaryan was shown a straight red by the referee for a stomp on defender Rana Gharami as the match ended in a stalemate.[64]

On 30 January, Aizawl failed to qualify for the AFC Champions League after losing 3–1 to Iran's Zob Ahan in an away encounter in the play-off round from West Region. Zob Ahan struck in the third minute through a spot-kick by Mehdi Rajabzadeh when Lalrosanga fouled Morteza Tabrizi inside the penalty box. Aizawl gradually started to make inroads when Ionescu connected a cross delivered by Laldinliana from the center of the box to beat Zob Ahan's custodian Mohammad Rashid Mazaheri. In the 83rd minute, Tabrizi's header put Zob Ahan ahead. Meneses' men were put under more misery when Tabrizi scored for the second time heading in from close range to the bottom left corner after latching onto a cross from Mohammad Reza Hosseini. With this loss, Aizawl was knocked out of the AFC Champions League but gained direct entry into Group E of the AFC Cup.[4][65]

I-League Position at the end of January

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
6Aizawl10433119+215
Source: [citation needed]

February

On 3 February, Aizawl drew with Chennai City 1–1 in an away encounter. Ionescu got past his marker on the right before getting into the box and playing a cross to Kobayashi, who tucked a neat finish into the net giving Aizawl the lead in the third minute. They lost many chances to extend their lead as both Ionescu and Lalrinmuana hit the post. However, Chennai City restored parity in the 73rd minute when Beauty curled the ball into the top right corner.[66] 10-man Aizawl lost 0–1 to Churchill Brothers in an away encounter on 6 February as they scored a single goal through Mechac Koffi in the 22nd minute. Nicholas Fernandes, on receiving a long ball, deceived defender Laldinliana and crossed the ball for Koffi to send into the net. Aizawl came back strongly in the last quarter, but their search for an equalizer ended when they were reduced to 10 men in the last ten minutes as Lalrosanga was shown a red card for a deliberate foul on Dawda Ceesay who was about to score.[67]

Aizawl held NEROCA to a goalless draw on 10 February in a closely contested and tactical away match where both sides failed to score even though there were many clear chances. NEROCA had two clear chances, one at the stroke of half time, which Turković muffed, and another deep into the match that was wasted by Chidi. Aizawl striker Zikahi had a chance to hand his side a full three points in the second minute of the stoppage time, but he shot wide.[68] On 12 February, Aizawl announced that they parted ways with their head coach, Paulo Menezes, after seven consecutive winless streak in their on-going I-League campaign.[69][70] They announced Santosh Kashyap as their incoming coach.[71] Aizawl welcomed back Lalchhawnkima who joined on loan from Mumbai City FC on 15 February.[72]

On 16 February, Aizawl drew 2–2 against a resilient Indian Arrows in an away match. Ionescu delivered the ball to Saighani who slotted it past a Prabhsukhan Singh Gill in the 40th minute. Indian Arrows was quick to find the equalizer on the 48th minute as Ashish Rai found Edmund Lalrindika with a delivery. He foxed his marker to trigger a shot at the bottom right corner which beat a diving Avilash. Aizawl continued to pile on the pressure and in the 54th minute Dodoz pierced the net after latching on to a pass from inside the box by Zohmingmawia. The Blue Colts finally equalized the game in the dying minutes when skipper Amarjit Singh Kiyam converted a penalty after Lalrosanga brought down Rahul Praveen inside the box.[73] Ahead of match against Shillong Lajong, on 18 February, Aizawl coach Santosh Kashyap announced their foreign recruits, Kobayashi and Omolaja, had been ruled out for the rest of the season due to injuries.[74]

On 19 February, Aizawl lost 2–1 to Shillong Lajong at Shillong in an away North-East derby. In the 42nd minute, Shillong took the lead when Tlang connected with Novin Gurung's cross from the left. Shillong doubled the lead in the 73rd minute when Saihou Jagne got the better of Jaryan and made his way into the box before poking the ball into the net. In the dying moments of the match, Nidhin Lal failed to collect Ionescu's shot which allowed Léonce Dodoz Zikahi to shoot the ball into the net from the loose clearance.[75]

Aizawl finally ended an eight-match winless streak with a 3–0 win over Indian Arrows. Aizawl needed only seven minutes to score the first goal of the match when Lalkhawpuimawia skipped past Sanjeev Stalin and shot towards goal. Arrows' custodian Prabhsukhan failed to grab as it found its way to Ionescu who easily found the back of the net three yards out. In the 16th minute, Lalkhawpuimawia slipped from the guard of the Arrows defenders, his first shot hit both the woodwork, but he scored on the rebound to double the lead. To confirm three points for Aizawl, Lalkhawpuimawia scored his second in the 87th minute when he tucked the ball in the back of the net after Dodoz provided him with a pass from the back.[76]

On 26 February, Aizawl lost 2–0 to table-toppers Minerva Punjab in an away game where Minerva enjoyed the lion's share of possession with Aizawl's attack coming from Ionescu. Akash broke the deadlock for Minerva in the 50th minute on the rebound after Chencho Gyeltshen's shot after receiving a pass from William Opoku that was stopped by Avilash. Minerva sealed the game with a strike late into the second half injury time when Opoku's header off a Kamalpreet Singh free-kick landed on Armand's path.[77]

I-League Position at the end of February

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
6Aizawl175661817+121
Source: [citation needed]

March

The month of March saw Aizawl play their final match of the I-League campaign against Gokulam Kerala. After conceding a 25th-minute penalty which was scored by Al-Ajmi in the first half, Léonce Dodoz Zikahi scored the reply on the hour stroke after Bilal Khan dropped the ball which would fall onto Dodoz' foot to level the match. Dodoz scored a second to give Aizawl the lead before Lalkhawpuimawia scored the match winner only four minutes later with the shot being hammered past the defenders.[78][79]

By virtue of finishing inside the top six in the I-League, they had a first-round bye in the 2018 Indian Super Cup.[80] After the qualifying round was completed, they were drawn to take on ISL's Chennaiyin away from home. In the match, which was held at the end of the month, Aizawl opened the scoring from Andrei Ionescu as his shot deflected past Karanjit Singh to find the back of the net. An 89th-minute equalizer from Maílson Alves saw the game go into extra time. Andrei Ionescu got Aizawl the lead again in the first minute of extra time when he latched onto a low cross and curled his shot past the keeper. In the second half of extra time, the Aizawl defense made a critical mistake which gifted the equalizer when Dhanachandra Singh's low effort from a distance went past the crowded defense to the back of the net. The penalty shoot-out would see Aizawl qualify through to the quarterfinals as a miss from Mohammed Rafi was the difference in the shoot-out.[81][82][83]

Between the I-League and the Indian Super Cup, Aizawl had their first match of the 2018 AFC Cup to play. After announcing their 26-man squad on 11 March,[84][85] they traveled to meet Maldive champions New Radiant in the opening game. Aizawl drew first blood when Lalram Hmunmawia scored into the top left corner of the net in the 33rd minute. Seven minutes later, Ali Ashfaq slotted in the equalizer from an Ahmed Abdulla cross to level the scores at the half. Ashfawq scored two more goals in the second half with one in the 77th and 85th minute to seal the match for the Maldive champions. Aizawl had to play the final sixteen minutes with only ten men when Hmunmawia was sent off for bringing down substitute Guillem Martí Misut. He was suspended for the following match against Dhaka Abahani.[86]

April

The opening match in April was a continental match against Bengaluru at home. After getting an early breakthrough in the fifth minute through Léonce Dodoz Zikahi, they conceded at the stroke of half-time with Daniel Lucas Segovia slotting home a penalty that was awarded after Dodoz handled the ball in the box. The second half saw Rahul Bheke give Bengaluru the lead in the 63rd minute as he headed it from Alwyn George. Another goal from substitute Lalhlimpuia would seal the 3–1 for the away team as he sent a low strike past Avilash.[87]

In the quarter-final of the Super Cup against East Bengal, Aizawl was forced into a defense play because of constant threats from East Bengal. After a chance from Andrei Ionescu, the first half ended scoreless. The robust defense of East Benegal meant that Aizawl had to settle for shots from a distance. With the match entering injury-time, East Bengal was awarded a penalty when Ansumana Kromah was brought down by Lalawmpuia inside the box. Laldanmawia Ralte's penalty would be the only goal of the game and knocked Aizawl out of the tournament.[88]

The two matches against Dhaka Abahani saw the team only scoring a point in the two games to be eliminated from contention. In the home match, Dhaka took just two minutes to open the scoring as Rubel Miya's effort deflected off Lalrosanga and looped into the net. Dhaka extended their lead in the 17th minute when Ndukaku Alison converted a scrappy effort from close-range after a corner was not cleared before Seiya Kojima made it 3–0 to end the match before half time.[89] The reverse match saw Aizawl nearly get a goal in the 16th minute. Dhaka managed to take the lead in the 31st minute with Emeka Onuoha converting from the penalty spot. Aizawl got one back after the break with Andrei Ionescu scoring from a close-range finish in the 65th minute to give Aizawl a draw and their first continental point in the club's history.[90]

May

On 2 May, Aizawl lost 0–5 to Bengaluru in an away encounter. Bottom-placed Aizawl began the match brightly, but Bengaluru soon wrestled control of the match with two quick-fire goals after the first quarter of an hour. Sunil Chhetri won and converted a penalty in the 16th minute before Segovia finished off Erik Paartalu's pass just moments later to make it 2–0. At the half-hour mark, visitors pulled away further with a third goal netted by Udanta Singh. In the 62nd minute, Segovia got his second goal of the evening with an improvised header to meet Subhasish Bose's cross. Substitute Lalhlimpuia completed the rout in the 89th minute, after flicking Chhetri's cut-back past the Aizawl keeper Lalawmpuia.[91]

On 16 May, Aizawl earned a 2–1 win over New Radiant in a home encounter to knock the visitors out of the AFC Cup. This marked their first continental match win in this season. After a goalless first half, the home side had to wait until the 61st minute to break the deadlock when Leonce Dodoz Zikahi fired one home after Ionescu was tripped inside the box. Ionescu doubled Aizawl's lead eight minutes from time after he latched onto Laldinliana's long pass and outpaced his marker before beating the goalkeeper on the second attempt for a simple finish into the empty net. Hassan pulled one back for Maldivians, getting on the end of Gotor's nodded pass to finish past Avilash.[5]

Kit

Supplier: Vamos / Sponsor: NE Consultancy Services[citation needed]

Home
Away
Goalkeeper

Coaching staff

Aizawl announced on 28 July 2017 that Paulo Menezes would be taking over as head coach.[92] Menezes said:[13]

I had learned about Indian football 4 years ago, and I have spoken to many people about it and how much it has grown over the years. I want to be part of this, and Aizawl FC is right at the heartbeat of this crescendo of development. I will like my players to play the offensive game with a high level of ball possession so that they can create many scoring chances. Depending on the game situation, we will vary the tempo of our attack, but the main focus is on the ball [retention].I will like to help the players improve their skills – be it technically or tactically, so they can become more competitive and maintain a strong mentality before and during the game. I believe I can contribute to Indian football by getting as many of the local players into the National Team as possible.

Izan Martin Andres has been hired as assistant coach for this season.[93]
On 12 February, Aizawl announced that they parted ways with their head coach, Paulo Menezes after seven consecutive winless streaks in their on-going I-League campaign and announced Santosh Kashyap as their replacement.[69][70][71]

Santosh Kashyap appointed as head coach in February following the sacking of Paulo Menezes

Management

PositionName
Head coach Santosh Kashyap
Team manager Hmingthan Sanga
Assistant coach B Malsawmzuala
Assistant manager Jonathan Lalbiakkima
Physio RK.Zothanpuia
Youth coach William Koso
Source:[94][71]

Transfers

In

No.PositionPlayerPrevious clubDateRef
19DF Lalchhuanawma Varte ONGC F.C.20 June 2017[10]
17MF David Lalrinmuana East Bengal3 July 2017[14]
16DF Kareem Omolaja Minerva Punjab14 July 2017[23][95]
28MF Shylo Malsawmtluanga Bhawanipore F.C.26 July 2017[15][96]
3DF Lalrozama Fanai Fateh Hyderabad9 August 2017[19]
12GK Avilash Paul Pune F.C.18 August 2017[20]
14FW Yugo Kobayashi Songkhla United F.C.18 August 2017[20]
10FW Léonce Dodoz Zikahi Mohammedan Sporting20 August 2017[21]
5DF Masih Saighani Türk Gücü Friedberg24 August 2017[23][22]
22MF Andrei Ionescu FC Voluntari26 August 2017[23]
18MF Liandala Fanai Chennai City F.C.1 September 2017[25]
23GK Arup Debnath NEROCA7 November 2017[38][97]
9FW Lalkhawpuimawia Chhinga Veng1 January 2018[56]
21MF H. Lalmuankima FC Goa5 March 2018[98]

Out

No.PositionPlayerNew clubDateRef
1GK Albino Gomes Mumbai City FC1 June 2017End of Loan[9]
3DF Kingsley Obumneme Mohun Bagan1 June 2017[11]
5DF Zohmingliana Ralte Bengaluru FC1 June 2017[18][99]
24DF Lalthakima Kerala Blasters FC1 June 2017[17]
27DF Lalramchullova East Bengal1 June 2017[6]
36DF Ashutosh Mehta Mumbai City FC1 June 2017End of Loan[9]
39DF Lalruatthara Kerala Blasters FC1 June 2017[17][100]
6MF Mahmoud Amnah East Bengal1 June 2017[6]
16MF Jayesh Rane Chennaiyin FC1 June 2017End of Loan[9]
17MF Laldanmawia Ralte East Bengal1 June 2017[16]
30MF Brandon Vanlalremdika East Bengal1 June 2017[7]
32FW Kamo Stephane Bayi Mohun Bagan1 June 2017[12]
20GK Zothanmawia Chhinga Veng1 June 2017
21MF H. Lalmuankima FC Goa6 January 2018[57]

Loan-in

No.PositionPlayerClubDateRef
MF V Laltanpuia Mizoram Police FCNovember 2017
24MF Lalthathanga Khawlhring NorthEast United FCNovember 2017
41DF Lalchhawnkima Mumbai City FCFebruary 2018[72]

Pre-season friendlies

AIzawl played a pre-season friendly match against ISL outfit, Chennaiyin FC behind closed doors. Chennaiyin FC defeated Aizawl by 1–0 with Mohammed Rafi scoring the lone goal of the match for the Chennai-based ISL team.[101] They did not play any other pre-season friendly as they were playing in this season's Mizoram Premier League.[102]

6 November 2017 (2017-11-06) Chennaiyin FC 1–0 Aizawl Chennai
15:00 ISTMohammed Rafi ReportStadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

Competitions

Overview

CompetitionFirst matchLast matchStarting roundFinal positionRecord
PldWDLGFGAGDWin %
Mizoram Premier League31 August 20178 December 2017Matchday 1Runners-up178543920+19047.06
I-League28 November 20172 March 2018Matchday 15th186662118+3033.33
Super Cup31 March 20188 April 2018Round of 16Quarter-finals210176+1050.00
AFC Champions League30 January 201830 January 2018Play-off RoundPlay-off Round100113−2000.00
AFC Cup14 March 201816 May 2018Group stageGroup stage6114516−11016.67
Total441612167363+10036.36

Last updated: 16 May 2018 (2018-05-16).
Source: Competitions

Mizoram Premier League

Aizawl FC announced their squad for Mizoram Premier League on 28 August.[24] They played their first match on 30 August against Ramhlun North.[102] They finished the league as runners-up.

League table

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification or relegation
1Chhinga Veng (C)1410312815+1333Advance to Semi-finals
2Aizawl147433113+1825
3Mizoram Police FC146263335−220
4Chanmari145452016+419
5Ramhlun North145452322+119
Source: goalie365.com
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored
(C) Champions

Result summary

OverallHomeAway
PldWDLGFGAGDPtsWDLGFGAGDWDLGFGAGD
147433113 +1825511216 +15232107 +3

Results by match

Round1234567891011121314
GroundAAHAHHAAHHAAHH
ResultDDDLWWLDWWWWWL
Position45575344222222
Source: [citation needed]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Matches

31 August 2017 (2017-08-31) 1 Ramhlun North 1–1 Aizawl Aizawl
15:00 ISTLalliansanga 12'Jojo 35'Stadium: Lammual
8 September 2017 (2017-09-08) 2 Chanmari 1–1 Aizawl Aizawl
15:00 ISTLalmuanawma 26'ReportDavid Lalrinmuana 45+2'Stadium: Lammual
15 September 2017 (2017-09-15) 3 Aizawl 2–2 Chhinga Veng Aizawl
20:00 ISTLalthathanga Khawlhring 19'
Jojo 47'
ReportMalsawmfela 22'
Lalhriatrenga 36' (o.g.)
Stadium: Lammual
18 September 2017 (2017-09-18) 4 Chanmari West 1–0 Aizawl Aizawl
15:00 ISTLalremruata 74'ReportStadium: Lammual
21 September 2017 (2017-09-21) 5 Aizawl 6–1 Mizoram Police FC Aizawl
15:00 ISTRochharzela 9', 36', 63'
Hmingthanmawia 35'
Alfred Jaryan 80'
Jojo 88'
ReportKareem 78'Stadium: Lammual
28 September 2017 (2017-09-28) 6 Aizawl 3–0 Dinthar Aizawl
15:00 ISTKareem Omolaja 38'
Jojo 39'
H. Lalmuankima 88'
ReportStadium: Lammual
3 October 2016 (2016-10-03) 7 Bethlehem 2–0 Aizawl Aizawl
19:30 ISTDawngzela 36'
Samson Ramengmawia 45+2'
ReportStadium: Lammual
13 October 2017 (2017-10-13) 8 Mizoram Police FC 2–2 Aizawl Aizawl
19:30 ISTWilliam Lalnunfela 42'
Andrei Ionescu 57'
Stadium: Lammual
19 October 2017 (2017-10-19) 9 Aizawl 3–1 Chanmari Aizawl
15:00 ISTWilliam Lalnunfela 33', 65'
Andrei Ionescu 37'
ReportMalsawmzuala 20'Stadium: Lammual
24 October 2017 (2017-10-24) 10 Aizawl 5–1 Bethlehem Aizawl
15:00 ISTH. Lalmuankima 17'
David Lalrinmuana 25', 88'
Masih Saighani 35'
Rochharzela 72'
ReportLalnuntluanga 20'Stadium: Lammual
26 October 2017 (2017-10-26) 11 Chhinga Veng 0–2 Aizawl Aizawl
15:00 ISTReportH. Lalmuankima 16'
Jojo 90+4'
Stadium: Lammual
1 November 2016 (2016-11-01) 12 Dinthar 0–4 Aizawl Aizawl
20:00 ISTReportDavid Lalrinmuana 9'
H. Lalmuankima 21'
Andrei Ionescu 26'
William Lalnunfela 80'
Stadium: Lammual
10 November 2016 (2016-11-10) 13 Aizawl 2–0 Chanmari West Aizawl
19:30 ISTMasih Saighani 25'
William Lalnunfela 88'
ReportStadium: Lammual
17 November 2016 (2016-11-17) 14 Aizawl 0–1 Ramhlun North Aizawl
19:30 ISTReportLalremruata 90+3'Stadium: Lammual
Semi-finals
23 November 2017 Aizawl 2–2 Mizoram Police FC Aizawl
19:30 ISTMasih Saighani 22'
Lalhriatrenga 85'
ReportLalrinpuia 7'
Lalfakzuala 90+4'
Stadium: Lammual
Man of the Match: David Lalrinmuana (Aizawl)
4 December 2017 Mizoram Police FC 1–1
(3–3 agg.)
(3–5 p)
Aizawl Aizawl
19:30 ISTLalbhiaklua 17'ReportH. Lalmuankima 14'Stadium: Lammual
Man of the Match: H. Lalmuankima (Aizawl FC)
Penalties
Final
8 December 2017 (2017-12-08) Chhinga Veng 1–0 Aizawl F.C. Aizawl
19:30 ISTR Malsawmtluanga 5'ReportStadium: Lammual
Man of the Match: R Malsawmtluanga (Chhinga Veng)

Rochharzela was awarded the Best Young Player of the Tournament while H. Lalmuankima was awarded Best Forward of the Tournament.[46][47]

I-League

The fixtures for the 2017–18 season were announced on 13 November 2017. Aizawl FC began their title defence against East Bengal on 28 November at Salt Lake Stadium.[103][104] They ended the league finishing fifth.

League table

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
3Mohun Bagan188732814+1431
4East Bengal188733219+1331
5Aizawl186662118+324
6Shillong Lajong186481725−822
7Gokulam Kerala186391723−621
Source: i-league.org
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) drawing of lots

Result summary

OverallHomeAway
PldWDLGFGAGDPtsWDLGFGAGDWDLGFGAGD
186662118 +324522136 +7144812 −4

Last updated: 2 March 2018.
Source: i-league.org

Results by match

Round123456789101112131415161718
GroundAHHHAAHHHHAAAAAHAH
ResultDWLWWLWDLDDLDDLWLW
Position456656644666556665
Source: i-league.org
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Matches

28 November 2017 1 East Bengal 2–2 Aizawl Kolkata
20:00 ISTEduardo Ferreira 66'
Katsumi Yusa 72'
Brandon Vanlalremdika  78'
ReportAlfred Jaryan  19'
Lalrinzuala Khiangte  43'
Masih Saighani  45+1'
William Lalnunfela 74', 90+4'
H. Lalmuankima  78'
Kareem Omolaja  80'
Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium
Attendance: 16611
Referee: Santosh Kumar
Man of the Match: Katsumi Yusa (East Bengal FC)
13 December 2017 2 Aizawl 1–0 Churchill Brothers Aizawl
14:00 ISTLalrinzuala Khiangte  59'
H. Lalmuankima  87'
Yugo Kobayashi 88'  89'
ReportMonday Osagie  90+5'Stadium: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium
Attendance: 2,875
Referee: Pratik Mondal
Man of the Match: Masih Saighani (Aizawl FC)
18 December 2017 3 Aizawl 0–1 Shillong Lajong Aizawl
14:00 ISTLalrinzuala Khiangte  31'
Masih Saighani  90+1'
ReportRedeem Tlang 60'
Novin Gurung  74'
Phurba Lachenpa  90+1'
Stadium: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Aizawl)
Attendance: 3,800
Referee: Om Prakash Thakur
Man of the Match: Redeem Tlang (Shillong Lajong FC)
27 December 2017 4 Aizawl 2–1 Minerva Punjab Aizawl
14:00 ISTKareem Omolaja 72'
Masih Saighani  75'
Andrei Ionescu 86'
ReportChencho Gyeltshen  61'
Amandeep Singh  78'
Girik Khosla 90+4'
Stadium: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Aizawl)
Attendance: 4,200
Referee: Raktim Saha
Man of the Match: Léonce Dodoz Zikahi (Aizawl FC)
31 December 2017 5 Gokulam Kerala 0–2 Aizawl Kozhikode
14:00 ISTMohammed Irshad  45+2'
Santu Singh  68'
ReportYugo Kobayashi 45'
Andrei Ionescu 52'
Laldinliana Renthlei  90+2'
Stadium: EMS Stadium
Attendance: 3,720
Referee: Priyobatra Singh Langpoklakpam
Man of the Match: Andrei Ionescu (Aizawl FC)
7 January 2018 6 Mohun Bagan 2–0 Aizawl Kolkata
14:00 ISTRicky Lallawmawma  19'
Masih Saighani 54' (o.g.)
Aser Pierrick Dipanda 75'
Kingsley Obumneme  81'
Raynier Fernandes  81'
ReportWilliam Lalnunfela  40'
Kareem Omolaja  49'
Lalthathanga Khawlhring  88'
Lalram Hmunmawia  90+1'
Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium
Attendance: 5,785
Referee: Ajitkumar Meitei Lairenlakpam
Man of the Match: Aser Pierrick Dipanda (Mohun Bagan AC)
13 January 2018 7 Aizawl 2–0 Chennai City Aizawl
14:00 ISTYugo Kobayashi 26' (pen.)
David Lalrinmuana 33'
ReportTarif Akhand  81'Stadium: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Aizawl)
Attendance: 3,620
Referee: Om Prakash Thakur
Man of the Match: David Lalrinmuana (Aizawl FC)
16 January 2018 8 Aizawl 0–0 East Bengal Aizawl
14:00 ISTMasih Saighani  60'
Alfred Jaryan  63'
ReportLaldanmawia Ralte  10'
Lalramchullova  54'
Katsumi Yusa  60'
Stadium: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Aizawl)
Attendance: 7,280
Referee: Rosario Fernandes
Man of the Match: Avilash Paul (Aizawl FC)
20 January 2018 9 Aizawl 1–2 NEROCA Aizawl
14:00 ISTKareem Omolaja 39'
Alfred Jaryan  72'
C Lalrosanga  78'
ReportAshok Singh  30'
Felix Chidi Odili 64'
Nedo Turković 86'
David Lalbiakzara  87'
Stadium: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Aizawl)
Attendance: 7,250
Referee: Raktim Saha
Man of the Match: Felix Chidi Odili (NEROCA FC)
25 January 2018 10 Aizawl 1–1 Mohun Bagan Aizawl
14:00 ISTYugo Kobayashi  1'
Lalthathanga Khawlhring 73'
C Lalrosanga  85'
Alfred Jaryan  89'
ReportManandeep Singh  56' 77' (pen.)
Raynier Fernandes  85'
Stadium: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Aizawl)
Attendance: 3,272
Referee: Senthil Nathan
Man of the Match: Léonce Dodoz Zikahi (Aizawl FC)
3 February 2018 11 Chennai City 1–1 Aizawl Coimbatore
14:00 ISTAntony Beautin 73'ReportYugo Kobayashi 3'
Lalhriatrenga  55'
Masih Saighani  88'
Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Attendance: 4,082
Referee: Parmanand Jaganath Mandrekar
Man of the Match: Michael Soosairaj (Chennai City FC)
6 February 2018 12 Churchill Brothers 1–0 Aizawl Vasco da Gama
17:30 ISTMechac Koffi 21'
Hussein Eldor  43'
Wayne Vaz  74'
ReportAndrei Ionescu  45'
Léonce Dodoz Zikahi  54'
C Lalrosanga  80'
Stadium: Tilak Maidan Stadium
Attendance: 3,116
Referee: Pratik Mondal
Man of the Match: Monday Osagie (Churchill Brothers SC)
10 February 2018 13 NEROCA 0–0 Aizawl Imphal
14:00 ISTThangjam Singh  68'ReportStadium: Khuman Lampak Main Stadium
Attendance: 20,345
Referee: Tanmoy Dhar
Man of the Match: Lalram Hmunmawia (Aizawl FC)
16 February 2018 14 Indian Arrows 2–2 Aizawl Vasco da Gama
17:30 ISTEdmund Lalrindika 48'
Amarjit Singh Kiyam 89' (pen.)
ReportMasih Saighani 40'
Léonce Dodoz Zikahi 54'
C Lalrosanga  56'   88'
Stadium: Tilak Maidan Stadium
Attendance: 3,175
Referee: C. R. Srikrishna
Man of the Match: Edmund Lalrindika (Indian Arrows)
19 February 2018 15 Shillong Lajong 2–1 Aizawl Shillong
20:00 ISTRedeem Tlang  41'
Abdoulaye Koffi 58'
Saihou Jagne 73'
ReportLaldinliana Renthlei  31'
Léonce Dodoz Zikahi 90+5'
Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Attendance: 6,300
Referee: Pratik Mondal
Man of the Match: Saihou Jagne (Shillong Lajong FC)
23 February 2018 16 Aizawl 3–0 Indian Arrows Aizawl
14:00 ISTAndrei Ionescu 7'
Lalkhawpuimawia 16', 87'  59'
Rochharzela  67'
ReportStadium: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Aizawl)
Attendance: 3,200
Referee: Rosario Fernandes
Man of the Match: Lalkhawpuimawia (Aizawl FC)
26 February 2018 17 Minerva Punjab 2–0 Aizawl Panchkula
14:00 ISTAkash Sangwan 50'
Akashdeep Singh  59'
Armand Bazie 90+5'
ReportDavid Lalrinmuana  90+5'Stadium: Tau Devi Lal Stadium
Attendance: 4428
Referee: Khamruddin Mohammed Avez
Man of the Match: Guy Eric Dano (Minerva Punjab FC)
2 March 2018 18 Aizawl 3–1 Gokulam Kerala Aizawl
14:00 ISTMasih Saighani  43'
Léonce Dodoz Zikahi  57' 59', 74'
Lalkhawpuimawia 78'
ReportMahmood Al-Ajmi 25' (pen.)  55'
Emmanuel Chigozie  83'
Stadium: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Aizawl)
Attendance: 2,800
Referee: Crystal John
Man of the Match: Léonce Dodoz Zikahi (Aizawl FC)

Super Cup

As they were one of the top six teams of the previous season, Aizawl FC qualified for the main round in the 2018 Indian Super Cup. They met ISL Champions, Chennaiyin in the Round of 16.[105] After they won their opening match on penalties after going behind by a single goal,[106] they would be knocked out in the quarter-final stage by East Bengal.[107]

31 March 2018 (2018-03-31) Round of 16 Chennaiyin 2–2 (a.e.t.)
(3–5 p)
Aizawl Bhubaneshwar
20:00 ISTGanesh  34'
B Singh  52'
Alves 89'  94'
D Singh 114'
ReportIonescu 22', 91'  64'
Jaryan  71'
Stadium: Kalinga Stadium
Attendance: 5,000
Referee: Pranjal Banerjee
Man of the Match: Andrei Ionescu (Aizawl FC)
Penalties
8 April 2018 (2018-04-08) Quarter-final Aizawl 0–1 East Bengal Bhubaneshwar
16:00 ISTHmingthanmawia  33'
C Lalrosanga  77'
Saighani  81'
ReportAucho  62'
Ralte 90+6' (pen.)
Stadium: Kalinga Stadium
Attendance: 3,286
Referee: C. R. Srikrishna
Man of the Match: Laldanmawia Ralte (East Bengal FC)

AFC Champions League

As they were champions in the previous season, Aizawl FC competed in the play-off round for a spot in the group stage. On 6 November, they were too drawn to meet Iranian champions Zob Ahan at home.[37] Aizawl FC lost 3–1 with Andrei Ionescu being the only goalscorer for Aizawl as they were knocked out of the 2018 AFC Champions League and relegated to the AFC Cup.[4]

v Aizawl FC
30 January 2018 (2018-01-30) PL Zob Ahan 3–1 Aizawl FC Isfahan
17:00 (IRST)Mehdi Rajabzadeh 3' (pen.)
Morteza Tabrizi 83', 90+3'
ReportAndrei Ionescu 21'
C Lalrosanga  90'
Stadium: Foolad Shahr Stadium
Attendance: 3,000
Referee: Nivon Robesh Gamini (Sri Lanka)

AFC Cup

Aizawl FC competed in Group E alongside Maldives champion New Radiant, the Bangladeshi champion in Dhaka Abahani and winner of the South Asia play-off, Bengaluru. They were knocked out of the tournament after finishing last in Group E.[5]

Group stage

Group E
PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualificationBFCRADABDAIZ
1 Bengaluru6501143+1115Inter-zone play-off semi-finals1–01–05–0
2 New Radiant6402125+7122–05–13–1
3 Abahani Limited Dhaka6114512−740–40–11–1
4 Aizawl6114516−114[a]1–32–10–3
Source: AFC
Notes:
Matches
v Aizawl FC
14 March 2018 (2018-03-14) New Radiant 3–1 Aizawl FC Malé
16:00 UTC+5Ali Ashfaq 40', 77', 85'ReportLalchhuanawma Varte  24'
Lalram Hmunmawia 33'  70'  74'
Masih Saighani  45'
Albert Zohmingmawia  45+2'
Stadium: Rasmee Dhandu Stadium
Attendance: 1,893
Referee: Ahmad A'Qashah (Singapore)
v Bengaluru FC
5 April 2018 (2018-04-05) Aizawl FC 1–3 Bengaluru FC Guwahati
18:30 UTC+5:30Léonce Dodoz Zikahi 5'ReportDaniel Lucas Segovia 45+1' (pen.)
Rahul Bheke 63'
Daniel Lalhlimpuia 77'
Stadium: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
Attendance: 879
Referee: Ahmad Ibrahim (Jordan)
v Dhaka Abahani
11 April 2018 (2018-04-11) Aizawl FC 0–3 Dhaka Abahani Guwahati
18:30 UTC+5:30Hmingthanmawia  72'ReportRubel Miya 2'
Ndukaku Alison 17'
Seiya Kojima 37'
Sunday Chizoba  41'
Stadium: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
Attendance: 435
Referee: Dmitry Mashentsev (Kyrgyzstan)
v Aizawl FC
25 April 2018 (2018-04-25) Dhaka Abahani 1–1 Aizawl FC Dhaka
18:00 UTC+6Emeka Onuoha 31' (pen.)
Waly Faisal  39'
Mohammad Fahad  85'
ReportAndrei Ionescu 65'
Hmingthanmawia  85'
Stadium: Bangabandhu National Stadium
Attendance: 800
Referee: Baraa Aisha (Palestine)
v Aizawl FC
2 May 2018 (2018-05-02) Bengaluru FC 5–0 Aizawl FC Bengaluru
20:00 UTC+5:30Sunil Chhetri 16' (pen.)
Daniel Lucas Segovia 17', 62'
Udanta Singh 30'
Víctor Pérez Alonso  82'
Daniel Lalhlimpuia 89'
ReportC Lalrosanga  71'Stadium: Sree Kanteerava Stadium
Attendance: 1,570
Referee: Zaid Thamer Mohammed (Iraq)
v New Radiant
16 May 2018 (2018-05-16) Aizawl FC 2–1 New Radiant Guwahati
18:45 UTC+5:30Masih Saighani  26'
Alfred Jaryan  36'
Léonce Dodoz Zikahi 61' (pen.)  77'
Laldinliana Renthlei  68'
Avilash Paul  72'
Andrei Ionescu 82'
ReportHamza Mohamed  14'
Ibrahim Atheeg Hassan 85'
Rilwan Waheed  90+4'
Stadium: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
Attendance: 238
Referee: Sultan Al-Marzooqi (United Arab Emirates)

Statistics

Appearances and goals

No.PosNatPlayerTotalMPLI-LeagueAFC CLAFC CupSuper Cup
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Goalkeepers
1GK  INDLalremruata202000000000
12GK  INDAvilash Paul330120170103000
23GK  INDArup Debnath100000000010
44GK  INDLalawmpuia803010003010
Defenders
2DF  INDRamdinsanga101000000000
3DF  INDLalrozama Fanai1006030000+1000
4DF  INDLalrinzuala Khiangte19116130000000
5DF  AFGMasih Saighani32694141106021
16DF  NGAKareem Omolaja1536192000000
19DF  INDLalchhuanawma Varte50000+1000300+10
25DF  INDLalram Hmunmawia3119013+10105120
26DF  INDLaldinliana Renthlei24000150106020
27DF  INDLalhriatrenga18116120000000
29DF  INDC Lalrosanga160007+10105020
30DF  INDJonathan Lalhriatkima101000000000
31DF  INDHmingthanmawia201316+40005020
41DF  INDLalchhawnkima610040000021
Midfielders
7MF  INDRochharzela174940+700+100000
8MF  INDH. Lalbiakthanga90701+10000000
11MF  INDAlbert Zohmingmawia220808+20103000
17MF  INDDavid Lalrinmuana34616510+31101+3000
18MF  INDLiandala Fanai100402+10000+3000
20MF  LBRAlfred Jaryan (captain)3317116+10106020
21MF  INDH. Lalmuankima1871165000001+11
22MF  ROUAndrei Ionescu32127315+13115+1223
24MF  INDLalthathanga Khawlhring36212110+61104+200+10
28MF  INDShylo Malsawmtluanga150604+30101000
Forwards
9FW  INDLalkhawpuimawia163003+530+104+101+10
10FW  NGALéonce Dodoz Zikahi2670017+14006221
13FW  INDJonathan Lalrawngbawla135750+20000+4000
14FW  JPNYugo Kobayashi124009+34000000
32FW  INDLalruatfela Zote20000+20000000
49FW  INDWilliam Lalnunfela1881064+220+100+1000
FW  INDF.Lalremsanga202000000000

Updated: 16 May 2018

Top scorers

The list is sorted by shirt number when total goals are equal.

Rnk Pos No. PlayerMPLI-LeagueAFC CLAFC CupSuper CupTotal
1MF22 Andrei Ionescu3312312
2FW49 William Lalnunfela620008
3FW10 Léonce Dodoz Zikahi040217
MF21 H. Lalmuankima60001
4DF5 Masih Saighani410016
MF17 David Lalrinmuana51000
7FW13 Jonathan Lalrawngbawla500005
8FW7 Rochharzela400004
FW14 Yugo Kobayashi04000
10FW9 Lalkhawpuimawia030003
DF16 Kareem Omolaja12000
12MF24 Lalthathanga Khawlhring110002
13DF4 Lalrinzuala Khiangte100001
MF20 Alfred Jaryan10000
DF25 Lalram Hmunmawia00010
DF27 Lalhriatrenga10000
DF31 Hmingthanmawia10000
DF41 Lalchhawnkima00001
#Own Goals000000
Total392115773

Last updated: 16 May 2018.
Source: soccerway

Hat-tricks

PlayerAgainstResultDateCompetition
RochharzelaMizoram Police6–1 (H)21 September 2017Mizoram Premier League[29]
Andrei IonescuChennaiyin FC7–5 (N)31 March 2018Super Cup[108]

Clean sheets

The list is sorted by shirt number when total clean sheets are equal.

Rnk No. PlayerMPLI-LeagueAFC CLAFC CupSuper CupTotal
112 Avilash Paul260008
21 Lalremruata100001
44 Lalawmpuia10000

Last updated: 16 May 2018.
Source: ESPN

Disciplinary record

Includes all competitive matches. Players listed below made at least one appearance for Aizawl FC during the season.

NPNat.NameI-LeagueAFC CLAFC CupSuper CupTotalNotes
4DF Lalrinzuala Khiangte33
5DF Masih Saighani6219Missed a game, against NEROCA F.C. (4 yellow cards) (20 January 2018)[109]
7MF Rochharzela11
9FW Lalkhawpuimawia11
10FW Léonce Dodoz Zikahi213
11MF Albert Zohmingmawia11
12GK Avilash Paul11
14FW Yugo Kobayashi22
16DF Kareem Omolaja22
17FW David Lalrinmuana11
19DF Lalchhuanawma Varte11
20MF Alfred Jaryan311151Missed a game, against Chennai City F.C. (red card) (3 February 2018)
21MF H. Lalmuankima22
22MF Andrei Ionescu112
24MF Lalthathanga Khawlhring11
25DF Lalram Hmunmawia11121Missed a game, against Bengaluru F.C. in 2018 AFC Cup (red card) (5 April 2018)
26DF Laldinliana Renthlei213
27DF Lalhriatrenga11
29DF C Lalrosanga211111511Missed a game, against NEROCA F.C. (red card) (10 February 2018)
Missed a game, against Shillong Lajong F.C. (red card) (19 February 2018)
31DF Hmingthanmawia213
49FW William Lalnunfela11

Last updated: 16 May 2018
Source: soccerway
Only competitive matches
= Number of bookings; = Number of sending offs after a second yellow card; = Number of sending offs by a direct red card.

Awards

Player

No. PlayerAwardTournamentSource
7 RochharzelaBest Young Player of the Tournament[46][47]
21 H. LalmuankimaBest Forward of the Tournament

See also

References