Aizawl FC set to sign Abhishek Rijal as Princewill Emeka replacement
(Courtesy : I-League Media)
The 21-year-old is the first Nepalese to score in the AFC Cup.
I-League outfit Aizawl FC are all set to rope in Nepalese footballer Abhishek Rijal for the ongoing 2020-21 season, Khel Now can confirm. The versatile forward most recently plied his trade for Mohammedan Sporting Club in the I-League Qualifiers in October.
"Aizawl FC are close to signing Abhishek Rijal. The negotiations are not yet complete, but it will be done and he will arrive in India soon," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now. We also understand that Rijal has to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine in adherence with the COVID-19 safety protocols, before he can join the team for the I-League.
The 21-year-old began his professional career in 2018, after joining the Nepal Police. He then went on to play for Manang Marshyangdi and Machhindra FC as well in his home country. In 2019, Rijal became the first Nepali player to score in the AFC Cup, after finding the back of the net in a 2-2 draw with Minerva Punjab. He joined Mohammedan SC just prior to the I-League Qualifiers last year and played a key role in their success in the round-robin competition, netting twice in four games. Interestingly, Aizawl FC head coach Yan Law was the boss at Mohammedan for a brief period when the youngster was also with them.
Aizawl FC recently parted ways with Princewill Emeka and it is understood that Abhishek Rijal will join them as the Nigerian striker's replacement.
Meanwhile, the former champions are are currently in fifth place in the I-League with two wins, two draws and a defeat in five matches. Having lost their opening fixture against RoundGlass Punjab, they are currently on an unbeaten run with wins against Gokulam Kerala, NEROCA FC and draws against Indian Arrows and Churchill Brothers.
On Tuesday, The People's Club will play their next game against TRAU FC, who are currently at seventh place in the league standings with just one victory from six matches.
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