It's a job well done by the Indian club. They started out strong and grew into the game and showed great character to deny New Radiant SC any points.
On the other hand, Bengaluru FC has won their respective fixture 4-0, and courtesy Aizawl's contribution, the Blues have now progressed to the next stage of the tournament.
And the substitute makes an impact soon after coming off the bench. A good pass from Ali Asfaq to Hassan in space as he chips it over a rushing Abhilash Paul to make it 2-1.
82' Goooaaal A. Ionescu scores from a brilliant counter attack. Aizawl defence clears the ball as Ionescu runs some distance before slotting it home after his initial shot was blocked by the keeper.
76' Aizawl with a promising move. Andrei runs into space and links up well with Mapuia but his final shot is whiskers wide as Aizawl miss a chance to double their lead.
75' Ali Asfaq with a solo attempt as he cuts in from the left flank and whips in a curler which surely looked like a goal but a flying Avilash Paul saves it for the hosts. Wonderful agility and presence shown from the Aizawl FC goalkeeper.
62' Free kick (New Radiant SC). Rosanga with a mistimed tackle. Smart thinking by Fasir as he hits it below the wall and finds Ali Asfaq but his shot sails over the bar.
55' What a chance!! Alfred with a pin point through ball to Andrei who passes it to Dodoz but the Mizo misses the net from point blank range. Best chance for Aizawl FC so far in the game.
50' Chance! A promising move by New Radiant as Angel plays the ball to Jorge who sends in a long delivery to Hamza. Hamza cuts inside and crosses it to Umair but his shot is wayward as the Aizawl defenders breath easy.
It has been a closely contested affair so far. Both teams have come up with sporadic chances and will need to be more clinical in the final third in order to break the deadlock.
Can Aizawl deny the Maldives supergiant and help their Indian counterpart Bengaluru FC to qualify? Stay tuned to find out what happens when we return with the second half coverage.
Saigani with brilliant footwork as he beats two players but his touch is too heavy and he ends up fouling Hisam Saleem in the process. Both players are booked for the melee that followed as Amiri walks in to calm the situation down.
23' Nothing meaningful from the corner as Aizawl tries to turn it into a quick counter attack. However, they miss waste the move as Puitea's cross goes astray. Chance squandered!
