2016–17 Aizawl F.C. season

Aizawl
2016–17 season
Chairman Robert Romawia Royte
Manager Khalid Jamil
Stadium Rajiv Gandhi Stadium
I-League 1st
Federation Cup Semi-finals
Durand Cup Semi-finals
Mizoram Premier League Semi-finals
Top goalscorer League:
Kamo Stephane Bayi (7)
All:
Kamo Stephane Bayi (7)
Highest home attendance 11,000 vs Mohun Bagan
(22 April 2017)[1]
Lowest home attendance 4,725 vs Churchill Brothers
(10 February 2017)[2]
Average home league attendance 6,943[3]
Home colours
Away colours

The 2016–17 season is the 33rd season in the history of Aizawl Football Club and their second in the I-League, India's top flight professional football league. The season began on 1 August 2016 and will conclude in May 2017. The club ended the I-League campaign as the champions after they were reinstated into the league after they were relegated the previous season. The club will also participate in the Federation Cup while they also made it to the semi-finals of the Mizoram Premier League and the Durand Cup.

Due to I-League regulations, despite finishing the season in 9th, over bottom placed DSK Shivajians, Aizawl were still relegated from the league in 2015–16. However, due to the withdrawal of the Goan clubs, Dempo, Salgaocar, and Sporting Goa, the club were reinstated into the league. The club brought in Khalid Jamil as the head coach who replaced caretaker Jahar Das. Jamil brought with him two of his former players from his previous club Mumbai in Ashutosh Mehta and Jayesh Rane. He also had the club sign goalkeeper Albino Gomes on loan from Mumbai City. In the foreigners department, the club retained Alfred Jaryan while also signing former Syria international Mahmoud Amnah as well as defender Kingsley Obumneme[4] and forward Kamo Stephane Bayi.

The club started the season by participating in the Durand Cup and Mizoram Premier League, the top football league in their home state of Mizoram. Jamil, as well as the new player signings, were not with the club during these tournaments. The club made it to the semi-finals of the Durand Cup before being eliminated by Army Green. Aizawl then finished the regular season of the Mizoram Premier League in third place, qualifying for the league semi-finals. They took on Chanmari, losing both legs of the tie 4–1 and 2–1 respectively. Once Jamil and the new players arrived, the club prepared for the I-League season. Aizawl started the season strong, winning three of their opening five matches in January. The club then won four of their six matches in February and four of their last seven matches to win the title. The title was confirmed on the final game of the season against Shillong Lajong in a 1–1 draw.

Background

Aizawl earned the promotion to 2015–16 I-League by winning 2015 I-League 2nd Division. In spite of spirited performances, Aizawl ended up at the bottom of table and were scheduled to be relegated. However, due to withdrawal of Goan clubs, Aizawl given another opportunity to play in I-League.[5]

Squad changes

In

No. Position Player Previous club Date Ref
4 DF India Lalrinzuala Khiangte India Zo United 24 June 2016
37 DF India Lalhriatrenga 24 June 2016
FW Ghana Bright Middleton Mends Ghana New Edubiase United 21 July 2016
14 MF Nigeria Benjamin Eniwo Onome 2 October 2016
3 DF Nigeria Kingsley Obumneme India Dinthar 22 December 2016 [4]
5 DF India Zohmingliana Ralte India DSK Shivajians 22 December 2016 [4]
9 FW India T. Lalnunpuia India Rangdajied United 22 December 2016 [4]
17 MF India Laldanmawia Ralte India Chanmari West 22 December 2016 [4]
18 MF India H. Lalmuankima India Chanmari 22 December 2016 [4]
32 FW Ivory Coast Kamo Stephane Bayi India George Telegraph 2 January 2017
6 MF Syria Mahmoud Amnah India Sporting Clube de Goa 12 January 2017

Out

No. Position Player New club Date Ref
1 GK India Soram Anganba India NorthEast United June 2016
DF India Ricky Lallawmawma India DSK Shivajians June 2016
DF Nigeria Emmanuel Chigozie June 2016
DF India Lalchhawnkima India Mumbai FC June 2016
MF Japan Yuta Kinowaki India Shillong Lajong June 2016
MF India David Lalrinmuana India Mumbai City June 2016
FW Nigeria Joel Sunday India Tollygunge Agragami June 2016
MF Japan Atsushi Yonezawa India Minerva Punjab June 2016
FW Ghana Bright Middleton Mends 19 December 2016
14 MF Nigeria Benjamin Eniwo Onome 19 December 2016

Loan in

No. Position Player Club Start date Ref
23 MF India V Laltanpuia India Mizoram Police December 2016
1 GK India Albino Gomes India Mumbai City 2 January 2017
14 MF India Jayesh Rane India Chennaiyin 2 January 2017
36 DF India Ashutosh Mehta India Mumbai City 2 January 2017

Durand Cup

Aizawl were drawn in Group B with Indian Air Force, Dempo, Army Red, NEROCA, and Real Kashmir. With three wins, a draw and a loss, Aizawl topped the group and qualified for the semi-finals. However, the lost to eventual champions Army Green in penalty shoot-out, after the game ended 3–3 after the extra time.[6]

Group B
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Aizawl 5 3 1 1 6 3 +3 10 Advance to Semi-finals
2 NEROCA 5 2 3 0 7 4 +3 9
3 Dempo 5 2 1 2 13 6 +7 7
4 Army Red 5 1 3 1 7 7 0 6
5 Indian Air Force 5 0 3 2 4 6 −2 3
6 Real Kashmir 5 0 3 2 12 6 +6 3
Updated to match(es) played on 8 September 2016. Source:

Semi-final

Mizoram Premier League

After participating in the Durand Cup Aizawl returned to Mizoram to take part in the fifth season of the Mizoram Premier League, the top football league in the state. Aizawl opened their campaign on 15 September 2016 against Zo United at the AR Lammual Stadium. They took the lead early in the third minute through a penalty won by foreign import Bright Middleton and converted by Lalramchullova. Brandon Vanlalremdika doubled Aizawl's advantage right before halftime through a volley from outside the box and William Lalnunfela finished Zo United off in the 82nd minute as Aizawl won 3–0.[7] Aizawl succumbed to their first defeat of the season in their second match against Chanmari. Former Aizawl player Malsawmfela scored the only goal of the match as Aizawl fell 1–0.[8] Two days later, Aizawl suffered their second consecutive defeat when they lost 1–0 to Bethlehem VT. Lalrammuanpuia scored the only goal of the match for Bethlehem VT.[9] Following the two defeats, Aizawl looked to turn things around against Chhinga Veng. Despite going down early in the fourth minute through Vanlallawma, late goals from Lalramchullova and Lalnuntluanga helped Aizawl comeback to win 2–1.[10] The side then ended the month with a 0–0 draw against bottom placed Dinthar.[11]

Matches

Table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 BVT 14 8 3 3 15 12 +3 27 Advance to Semi-finals
2 Chanmari 14 7 5 2 24 13 +11 26
3 Aizawl 14 7 3 4 15 10 +5 24
4 Chanmari West 14 6 3 5 20 15 +5 21
5 Chhinga Veng 14 4 4 6 18 19 −1 16
Updated to match(es) played on 26 November 2016. Source:
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored

Semi-finals

Leg 1
Leg 2

I-League

Before I-League, Aizawl roped in former Indian international and Mumbai F.C. coach, Khalid Jamil.

January

Aizawl began their I-League campaign against the title-contenders East Bengal F.C. on 7 January 2017. Aizawl took the lead towards the end of the first half with Gurwinder Singh's own goal, however Ivan Bukenya's last minute strike salvaged a point for the hosts. In the first home game of the season, against I-League debutant Minerva Punjab F.C., Aizawl seemed to be heading for another draw until Loveday Enyinnaya's own goal in the stoppage time earned them a win.[12]

Matches

League table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Aizawl (C) 18 11 4 3 24 14 +10 37 Qualification to Champions League qualifier
2 Mohun Bagan 18 10 6 2 27 12 +15 36
3 East Bengal 18 10 3 5 33 15 +18 33
4 Bengaluru FC 18 8 6 4 30 15 +15 30 Qualification to AFC Cup qualifying play-off[lower-alpha 1]
5 Shillong Lajong 18 7 5 6 24 23 +1 26
Source: i-league.org
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) drawing of lots
(C) Champion.
Notes:
  1. ↑ Bengaluru FC qualified for the 2018 AFC Cup by winning the 2016–17 Federation Cup.

Federation Cup

Group stage

Aizawl were drawn with East Bengal, Chennai City and Churchill Brothers in Group A. Aizawl took on Chennai City in the opening game. Aizawl were trailing by 2 goals at the end of the first half, but came back strongly in the second half to score 3 goals and win the game. Aizawl took an early lead in the second game against Churchill Brothers, but in the closing minutes Churchill Brothers earned a penalty and converted. Aizawl fought back to score the winner in the 90th minute and secured a spot in the semi-finals. In the dead-rubber game against East Bengal neither teams managed a goal and split a point each and Aizawl topped the group.

Group A
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Aizawl 3 2 1 0 5 3 +2 7 Advance to semi-finals
2 East Bengal 3 1 2 0 3 1 +2 5
3 Chennai City 3 1 0 2 5 6 −1 3
4 Churchill Brothers 3 0 1 2 3 6 −3 1
Source: AIFF

Semi-finals

In the semi-final, Aizawl faced Group B runner-up, Bengaluru FC. Aizawl conceded the lead in the 8th minute when Alwyn George was fouled inside the box and Bengaluru were awarded the penalty and Cameron Watson successfully converted the penalty. Bengaluru had more scoring opportunities but could not extend their lead. Aizawl were given the penalty seconds before the final whistle, but Amrinder Singh saved Lalramchullova and ended Aizawl's Federation Cup campaign.[13]

Aftermath

End of the season awards by I-League, Khalid Jamil won the Syed Abdul Rahim Best Coach award and Alfred Jaryan won the Best Midfielder award.[14]

Technical staff

Khalid Jamil,Aizawl F.C's head coach
Position Name
Team Manager India Hmingthana Zadeng
Head Coach India Khalid Jamil
Assistant coach India Abdul Azim Siddique

Player statistics

Appearances and goals

No. Pos Nat Player TotalI-League Federation Cup
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Goalkeepers
1 GK India Albino Gomes 21 0 18+0 0 3+0 0
21 GK India Zothanmawia 0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0
22 GK India Lalawmpuia 1 0 0+0 0 1+0 0
Defenders
3 DF Nigeria Kingsley Obumneme 20 0 17+0 0 3+0 0
4 DF India Lalrinzuala Khiangte 11 0 5+5 0 1+0 0
5 DF India Zohmingliana Ralte 21 1 18+0 1 3+0 0
12 DF India Lalramhmunmawia 0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0
24 DF India Lalthakima 5 0 1+3 0 1+0 0
27 DF India Lalramchullova 18 2 11+4 1 3+0 1
29 DF India C Lallawmzuala 1 0 0+0 0 1+0 0
36 DF India Ashutosh Mehta 19 1 13+3 1 0+3 0
37 DF India Lalhriatrenga 1 0 0+0 0 1+0 0
39 DF India Lalruatthara 14 1 10+1 1 3+0 0
Midfielders
6 MF Syria Mahmoud Amnah 19 3 15+1 2 3+0 1
7 MF India Lalnuntluanga 1 0 0+0 0 1+0 0
8 MF India H. Lalbiakthanga 5 0 2+1 0 0+2 0
10 MF India Rohmingthanga 0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0
11 MF India Albert Zohmingmawia 9 0 6+2 0 1+0 0
16 MF India Jayesh Rane 21 2 18+0 2 3+0 0
17 MF India Laldanmawia Ralte 19 6 10+5 3 3+1 3
18 MF India H. Lalmuankima 13 0 6+4 0 2+1 0
20 MF Liberia Alfred Jaryan 20 0 17+0 0 3+0 0
23 MF India V Laltanpuia 12 0 3+9 0 0+0 0
28 MF India Rochharzela 0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0
30 MF India Brandon Vanlalremdika 17 3 11+3 3 2+1 0
Forwards
9 FW India T. Lalnunpuia 4 0 0+3 0 1+0 0
13 FW India Jonathan Lalrawngbawla 3 0 0+1 0 1+1 0
19 FW India Vanlalduatsanga 0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0
32 FW Ivory Coast Kamo Stephane Bayi 20 7 17+0 7 3+0 0
49 FW India William Lalnunfela 11 1 0+8 1 1+2 0

Updated: 14 May 2017

Top scorers

Rank No. Pos Nat Player I-League Federation Cup Total
1 32 FW Ivory Coast Kamo Stephane Bayi 7 0 7
2 17 MF India Laldanmawia Ralte 3 3 6
3 6 MF Syria Mahmoud Amnah 2 1 3
30 MF India Brandon Vanlalremdika 3 0 3
5 27 DF India Lalramchullova 1 1 2
16 MF India Jayesh Rane 2 0 2
6 5 DF India Zohmingliana Ralte 1 0 1
36 DF India Ashutosh Mehta 1 0 1
39 DF India Lalruatthara 1 0 1
49 FW India William Lalnunfela 1 0 1
TOTALS 22 5 27

Source: soccerway
Updated: 14 May 2017

Clean sheets

Rank No. Pos Nat Player I-League Federation Cup Total
1 1 GK India Albino Gomes 8 0 8
2 1 GK India Lalawmpuia 0 1 1
TOTALS 8 1 9

Source: soccerway
Updated: 14 May 2017

Disciplinary record

Rank No. Pos Nat Player I-League Federation Cup Total Notes
YC Red card YC Red card YC Red card
1 3 DF Nigeria Kingsley Obumneme 6 0 1 0 7 0 Missed a game, against Minerva Punjab (4 yellow cards)
(11 March 2017)
2 39 MF India Lalruatthara 5 0 1 0 5 0 Missed a game, against Churchill Brothers (4 yellow cards)
(10 February 2017)
3 20 MF Liberia Alfred Jaryan 4 0 0 0 4 0 Missed a game, against Shillong Lajong (4 yellow cards)
(30 April 2017)
36 MF India Ashutosh Mehta 4 0 0 0 4 0 Missed a game, against Shillong Lajong (4 yellow cards)
(30 April 2017)
5 5 DF India Zohmingliana Ralte 3 0 0 0 3 0
6 DF Syria Mahmoud Amnah 2 0 1 0 3 0
7 1 GK India Albino Gomes 1 0 1 0 2 0
5 DF India Lalrinzuala Khiangte 2 0 0 0 2 0
16 FW India Jayesh Rane 2 0 0 0 2 0
27 DF India Lalramchullova 1 0 1 0 2 0
11 17 MF India Laldanmawia Ralte 1 0 0 0 1 0
32 FW Ivory Coast Kamo Stephane Bayi 1 0 0 0 1 0
49 FW India William Lalnunfela 1 0 0 0 1 0
TOTALS 33 0 5 0 38 0

Source: soccerway
Updated: 14 May 2017

References

  1. ↑ "Match Report: Aizawl vs. Mohun Bagan" (PDF). The All India Football Federation. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  2. ↑ "Match Report: Aizawl vs. Churchill Brothers" (PDF). The All India Football Federation. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  3. ↑ "Attendance". WorldFootball. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "AIZAWL FC ANNOUNCES A STRING OF SIGNINGS". theindianleague.in. 22 December 2016. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
  5. ↑ Bilgi, Sumedh (26 September 2016). "Aizawl FC reinstated in the I-League". Goal.com. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  6. ↑ "Durand Cup: Army Green pip Aizawl FC in penalties to enter final". 9 September 2016.
  7. ↑ "Aizawl FC beat Zo United 3-0 to open their MPL 5 campaign". The Home of Indian Football. 15 September 2016. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  8. ↑ "Aizawl FC stunned 0-1 by Chanmari FC in MPL 5". The Home of Indian Football. 21 September 2016. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  9. ↑ "Aizawl FC suffer consecutive defeats; go down 0-1 to BVT FC in MPL 5". The Home of Indian Football. 22 September 2016. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  10. ↑ "Aizawl FC beat Chhinga Veng to end their(sic) losing streak in MPL 5". The Home of Indian Football. 27 September 2016. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  11. ↑ "Aizawl FC held by bottom placed Dinthar FC in MPL 5". The Home of Indian Football. 29 September 2016. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  12. ↑ "I-League 2017: Aizawl FC 1-0 Minerva Punjab - Supersub Ashutosh wins it at the death". 13 January 2017.
  13. ↑ Pathak, Manasi (14 May 2017). "Federation Cup 2017: Aizawl FC 0-1 Bengaluru FC - Watson's strike sends Blues to the finale". Goal.com.
  14. ↑ "Sunil Chhetri wins the 'Hero of the League' award". 2 May 2017.

See also

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