MPL debutants Electric Veng beat Aizawl FC, two-time champions Chanmari defeat Ramhlun North

Isaak Vanlalpeka received the Man of the Match award as his side beat the I-League outfit.

MPL debutants Electric Veng FC pulled off an upset again as they beat Aizawl FC 2-1 in their opening Mizoram Premier League fixture. Meanwhile, first-half goals from two set pieces ensured a winning start for two-time MPL champions Chanmari FC as they overcame Ramhlun North FC.

This is the second time the Electric Veng have beaten the I-League club this season with the victory coming courtesy of an own goal from Alfred and a stunning freekick by Isaak Vanlalpeka.

Aizawl FC had taken control of a relatively quiet first half as they struggled to break down an Electric Veng side who were happy to hold their shape. David Lalrinmuana did rattle the bar from a freekick as Lalkhawpuimawia struggled to find space.

Isaak Vanlalpeka and Vanlalremsanga were bright sparks on the counter for Electric Veng FC and it was EFC who drew first blood when Aizawl FC's Alfred Jaryan inadvertently put the ball in the back of his own net.

Electric Veng FC doubled their advantage two minutes later when Isaak Vanlalpeka struck a perfect freekick into AFC's goal. Alfred did make amends when he headed in from a set-piece late on, but it was too late as Electric Veng earned their first three points of the season. The Man of the Match award went to Isaak Vanlalpeka.

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In the other fixture, Ramhlun North FC spurned a golden chance to take the lead in the final round 1 fixture at AR Lammual when Lalliansanga's shot was saved by Chanmari FC's custodian Ruatpuia. They were made to pay on the 10th minute when Lalnuntluanga stroked home from a scramble inside the box after RNFC failed to clear a corner delivery by Laldampuia.

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Ramhlun North FC threatened their opponents with Waheed Adekinle and Vanlallawma forcing saves from Ruatpuia. But it was Chanmari FC who found the net again when Lalnuntluanga headed in a corner from Laldampuia right before halftime.

Chanmari FC were able to stand firm in the second half as Ramhlun North FC searched to spark a comeback. Lalliansanga and Laldingngheta were put through a couple of times but were found lacking in the final third. Chanmari FC came close to adding a third when Lalnuntluanga struck the bar late on.