Sri Bhaini Sahib, Feb 27 (NationPress) The first season of the newly branded Indian Football League (IFL) commenced on Friday, featuring former I-League champions Aizawl FC and host team Namdhari Sports Academy. The match ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Namdhari Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib, Haryana.

Vanlalhriatzuala gave Aizawl the lead in the 43rd minute of the first half, but Senegalese striker Abdoulaye Diallo equalized in the sixth minute of added time before the final whistle, ensuring that the Punjab side secured a point in this Division Two season opener. This match marked the second draw in five encounters between these teams, with Aizawl currently leading 2-1 overall.

Aizawl's coach, Lalruatfela, strategically packed his midfield at kick-off, positioning Zomuansanga as the sole striker, which indicated a clear intent to utilize the flanks. In contrast, Namdhari's coach Harpreet opted for a standard 4-4-2 formation, fielding three players from Ghana: skipper Lamine Moro anchoring the defense, with Francis Addo and Najeeb Ibrahim in midfield.

The People’s Club started strong, with their first shot on goal coming as early as the fourth minute. Right-back Laldawngzuala advanced upfield, delivering some quality crosses that kept Namdhari goalkeeper Nishan Singh on alert.

Aizawl's most promising opportunity before scoring arose when Vincent Lalduhawma found Omoma unmarked at the edge of Namdhari’s six-yard box, but his attempt was too weak to challenge Nishan.

Hriata found the net just two minutes before half-time, connecting with a cross from Dawnga that initially seemed innocuous. The nimble midfielder swiftly executed a right-footed curler that outsmarted Nishan and hit the back of the Namdhari net.

Not wasting any time, Coach Harpreet substituted Bhupinder Singh for forward Jaskaranpreet Singh at half-time to strengthen his midfield. Despite this adjustment, Aizawl seized the first opportunity post-break, with Zozoa’s expertly placed curler being tipped onto the bar by Nishan.

In the 59th minute, Harpreet introduced Diallo in place of Najeeb. Namdhari intensified their efforts, leading to the first cautions of the match: skipper Moro received a yellow card in the 81st minute, followed by Aizawl’s Hriata in the 86th. Earlier, Harpreet himself had been shown the first yellow card.

With six additional minutes added after the regular 90, Namdhari nearly equalized when Diallo broke into the box and attempted a lob over both the keeper and the crossbar, missing narrowly.

However, Diallo would not be denied as, in the dying moments, a shot from Lotjem struck the left post and rebounded for the Senegalese forward to tap it in, ultimately saving the day for the hosts.