Kobayashi, Lalrinmuana strike to give Aizawl comfortable win

Paulo Menezes deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation as he made four changes to the side which lost 2-0 to Mohun Bagan. Yugo Kobayashi, David Lalrinmuana, Albert Zohmingmawia and C Lalrosanga all came in to the XI with the Japanese striker leading the line up top.

Chennai City meanwhile lined up in a 4-4-2 formation Jean-Michael Joachim and Michael Soosairaj deployed as the two men up front with Alexander Jesuraj and Edwin Vanspaul providing the support on the flanks.

It was the hosts who started the match on the front-foot with Kobayashi and David looking threatening. They had the chance to go ahead in the 17th minute when Andrei Ionescu was put through on goal but Chennai custodian Uros Poljanec was quick off his line to smother the danger.

Menezes' men were awarded a spot-kick in the 24th minute of the game when David Lalrinmuana cut past Dharmaraj Ravnan to enter the box. Veniamin Shumeiko was there to stop the Aizawl attacker but he unfortunately handled the ball as he lost his balance. Kobayashi made no mistake from the spot as he sent Poljanec the wrong way to put the home-side 1-0 ahead. Ionescu was at the heart of every Aizawl attack and it was he who turned provider a few minutes later to double the advantage. The play-maker set up David with some lovely footwork and the latter's shot cannoned off the post before crossing the line to make it 2-0 in the 32nd minute. The home side would run away with the three points ultimately to make up for their defeat by the same margin to Mohun Bagan.