Bengaluru, March 3 (NationPress) Aizawl FC staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Sporting Club Bengaluru in the I-League 2024-25 at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Monday. This win marked the end of SC Bengaluru’s five-match unbeaten streak in the league. Lalawmpuia Sailo and Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia found the net in a hard-fought battle for the visitors, while Henry Kisseka had initially put SC Bengaluru ahead from the penalty spot in the first half.

This victory is expected to bolster Aizawl FC’s confidence, although it does little to enhance their league standing. In a tumultuous season, Aizawl FC currently sits one spot above the bottom-placed Delhi FC at 11th place with 16 points from 17 matches, having achieved four wins, four draws, and nine losses. They will aim to capitalize on this win to avoid relegation.

For SC Bengaluru, this defeat represents a missed opportunity. They maintained their lead until the 70th minute, only to see Aizawl overturn the match in the closing stages. They remain just above Aizawl in the standings, holding the ninth position with 17 points from 17 games.

As the home side, SC Bengaluru were expected to perform well. They controlled the match from the beginning and took the lead when Kisseka was fouled in the penalty area. The Uganda forward confidently converted the penalty, sending Mohammed Rafique Ali Sardar the wrong way in the 28th minute.

Having not conceded a goal in their previous two matches, SC Bengaluru focused on preserving their narrow advantage. However, the game shifted dramatically after Aizawl made some key substitutions.

Aizawl leveled the score in the 70th minute when substitute Lalawmpuia Sailo seized a loose ball just outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot. Five minutes later, another substitute, Lalchhanhima Sailo, delivered a cross from the left that Lalrinzuala expertly directed into the net with a header to clinch the win for Aizawl.