I-League: Bengaluru held on day of draws

Action from the I-League match between Aizawl FC and Sporting Club de Goa in Fatorda, Goa, on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)

Sporting Clube de Goa failed to cash in on home advantage as they played out a 1-1 draw against Aizawl FC in an I-League football match at the Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday.

In Pune, second-placed Bengaluru FC were held by hosts DSK Shivajians FC 1-1.

Bengaluru FC took the lead through Eugeneson Lyngdoh in the 34th minute, but Shivajians struck back two minutes later when Asier Dipanda found the back of the net.

Earlier in a drab match, Aizawl looked stronger of the two sides in the counter moves in the first half and took the lead in the 30th minute through Alfred Kemah Jaryan.

The home side, who lacked the thrust to trouble the rival defence in the absence of star striker Odafe Okolie, restored parity in the 37th minute through Mahmoud Al Amna.

The draw kept Sporting Clube de Goa in the fourth place with 15 points from 13 matches. Aizawl FC, who are fighting to avoid relegation, took their tally to 13 points from 14 matches.

Aizawl FC enjoyed more ball possession in the latter part of the match and looked more thrustful in counter-attacks with striker Ayene Joel Sunday Yinka and Jaryan posing a threat to the defence.

Aizawl took the lead in the 30th minute from a counter attack. Ayeni Yinka, who found space on the right, moved deep into the rival box before sending a cross to Jaryan to score.