AIZAWL (India): Former champions Aizawl FC and Mohun Bagan were engaged in a goalless draw in the opening game of 13th I-League here on Saturday.
Both Kibu Vicuna (Mohun Bagan) and Stanley Rozario (Aizawl) packed their sides with midfielders indicating a cautious approach to begin their campaign.
Bagan had Suhair V.P. as the lone striker upfront while Rozario played William Lalnunfela ahead of a six-man midfield.
The Kerala striker’s through to Julian Colinas in the third minute didn’t create much trouble as the Spaniard shot wide.
Churchill open campaign against Punjab FC
Another former champion Churchill Brothers will meet Punjab FC at home on Sunday.
With the exception of Gambian Dawda Ceesay, captain Willis Deon Plaza, Israil Gurung and James Kithan, the Goan side will be fielding a completely new squad.
“We have a new team this season with the exception of Ceesay and me. We’re taking this game very seriously because it’s our opening match. It’ll be good to start with a win,” said Churchill captain Plaza.
Meanwhile, Punjab will also be looking to start on a confident note.
The 2017-18 champions, who had finished 10th last season, will be boosted by the return of experienced Anwar Ali.
26-year-old Brazillian winger Sergio Barboza Jr. former East Bengal mid-fielder Sanju Pradhan and veteran striker Dipanda Dicka are other top names in the team.
“This season we have an entirely new squad barring three-four players. We’ve changed our philosophy to meet the standards and demands of modern-day football,” said Punjab coach Yan Cheng Law.
On his opponents, Yan said: “Churchill are always a tough team to beat at their backyard. They’ve a good success in the I-League.”
Champions Chennai City take on debutants TRAU FC
In Coimbatore, defending champions Chennai City FC will kick off against debutants TRAU FC.
Chennai has lost some of their key players owing to transfers in the form of Nestor Benitez, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul and Tarif Akhand.
It will be an uphill task for the Coimbatore based team as they look to put a new combination on a place.
TRAU can be an unpredictable side after having qualified for the first time in their second year of existence.
The team is led by Nigerian forward Princewill Emeka Olariche, who was also the highest scorer in the Second Division League with 10 goals.
“Preparation has been excellent. We had a few pre-season friendlies and had positive results. We are looking forward to tomorrow’s match,” said Olariche.
