Ratings: Akito, David help Aizawl stage comeback against East Bengal

East Bengal yet again lost a two-goal cushion to draw their last game of the season.

East Bengal floundered a two-goal lead to drop points yet again to get knocked out of the Super Cup. While the Red and Golds began the game on the front foot and went ahead within a few minutes, Aizawl made a good comeback as the game progressed and equalized in the 55th minute.

East Bengal's inability to hold on to leads haunted them again this time against an I-League side, which displayed some spirited football to salvage a point in their last game.

In light of this, let us see how the players of both teams performed.

East Bengal FC

Kamaljit Singh - 5.0

Made a very bad clearance after leaving his goalline in the instance of Aizawl’s second goal. Should have done better in the instance of the opponent’s first goal as well.

Charalombous Kyriakou - 6.5

Kyriakou’s return to the first XI was a decent one as he himself played quite well but his backline was not able to prevent Aizawl from scoring. 

Sarthak Golui - 6.0

Had to do better to prevent Aizawl’s second goal. Overall, had a mixed outing.

Lalchungnunga - 5.5

Lalchungnunga played badly today as his misunderstanding with Kamaljit created many problems for East Bengal’s defence. Should have done better in the cases of both of Aizawl’s goals. 

Tuhin Das - 6.5

Tuhin had a decent day at the office playing in an unusual position. Made a few good tackles to deny space to Aizawl’s wingers. 

VP Suhair - 6.5

Provided the assist for East Bengal’s second goal. Otherwise, wasn’t involved much in the game. Was subbed off in the 60th minute. 

Alex Lima - 5.5

Similar to Suhair, Lima was not able to influence the midfield much. Had a few moments in which he tried to stitch a few good forward passes, which, however, did not lead to any fruition.

Mobashir Rahman  - 5.0

Another East Bengal player to have a bad outing tonight. Was not impactful in the midfield apart from a few clumsy challenges. 

Naorem Mahesh - 7.5

Scored the first goal for East Bengal. Once again, looked lively and threatening on the left flank. Needed to show a bit more composure. 

Cleiton Silva - 6.0

Made a brilliant pass to Naorem from which the youngster scored. Apart from that, made a few goal-bound attempts, none of which were threatening. 

Sumeet Passi - 6.5

Scored once and took a number of shots, a few of which were on target. His return to the playing XI proved to be good as he looked threatening on more than one occasion. 

Substitutes 

Himanshu Jangra - 6.0

Was on the pitch for around 30 minutes. Tried his best to ignite the right flank by making sharp runs and whipping in crosses.  

Jordan O’Doherty - 5.0

Played for around 20 minutes. Not much effective whatsoever.

Mohamed Rakip - N/A

Semboi Haokip - N/A

Aizawl FC

Vanlal Hriatpuia - 6.5

The goalie had a good game. Made a few good saves that enabled his team to earn a well-deserved draw. Should have done better in the case of East Bengal’s first goal. 

Buanga - 6.5

Had to do better to prevent Mahesh from scoring the first goal. Otherwise, played quite well both in attacks and in defence.

Lalchhanhima - 6.0

Kimkima had a decent game. Had to do better in the case of both of East Bengal’s goals. Provided stability in the second half.

Akito Saito- 7.5

Made an important toward the end of the game to deny Sumeet Passi a second goal. Made many important defensive contributions throughout the game. 

Btea - 6.5

Played his part well to keep Suhair subdued for the majority of the game. Made many sharp forward runs.

Lalthanmawia - 7.0

Had a very good second half. Tried to dink Kamaljit toward the end of the game to get a winner. Created chances from the right flank by making sharp runs along the flank and through intricate passing.

Lalchhawnkima - 6.5

Similar to Amawia, Chhanchhana too had a decent second half whereby he combined well with his fellow midfielders to take control of the proceedings in the middle of the park.

Lalramsanga - 6.5

Had a good game in the first half. Unfortunately, suffered an injury in the 55th minute due to which he was stretchered off.

K Lalrinfela - 6.0

Mafela had a mixed game. Was not as effective as his teammates in the second half.

HK Lalhruaitluanga - 7.0

Scored the first goal for Aizawl through a composed finish. Played brilliantly in the midfield and combined well with his fellow midfielder in the second half.

David Lalhlansanga - 8.0

Scored twice, one of which was flagged offside. Scored a brilliant lofted goal to equalise. Looked lively and threatening throughout the game. Undoubtedly, the best player for Aizawl today.

Substitutes

Eisuke - 7.0

Came in for Ramsanga and played his part well to ensure the midfield is running properly. 

Augustine - N/A

Hmangaihkima - N/A