Toure’s brace helps Minerva log first I-League win

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 10 

Defending champions Minerva Punjab FC registered their first win of the 12th I-League by overcoming Aizawl FC 2-1 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. Two headers off two corners by centre-back Lancine Toure ensured the win despite a late penalty conversion by Leonce Dodoz for the home side.

Minerva FC coach Paul Munster started with goalie Bhaskar Roy along with defenders Lancine Toure, Arshpreet Singh, Akashdeep Singh and Souvik Das. Amandeep Singh and Nigerian Philip Njoku marshalled the midfield as newly-signed Bala Al Hasan and Moinuddin made their debut on the either sides of the flank. William Opoku and Donatus Edafe formed the striking pair. 

Minerva brought in Bala and Edafe, replacing them with Akash Sangwan and Makan Chothe, as well as Moinuddin in place of Ivorian Alexandre who had started in the last game.

Aizawl coach Gift Raikhan started with Ivorian Dodoz and David Lalrinmuana in place of Albert and Lalrinfela. In the very first minute, Aizawl's star striker Dodoz cut in beautifully inside the box from the left and his effort brought about a save from Roy in the Minerva goal, who padded it away for a corner. In the sixth minute, Toure fouled David Righty outside the box. His free-kick on the target was well-collected by Roy.

Minerva then got a breakthrough with Toure's header off Opoku's corner. The perfect finish gave Minerva their first goal of the campaign to lead in the 10th minute. The goal shifted the momentum towards Minerva. The Punjab-based side put up a splendid display of counter-attacks and innovative set pieces. Edafe's ball skills and enterprise, in particular, will be a good omen for Irishman Munster's side going forward.

In the 12th minute, Moinuddin was found free inside the box by Opoku, who chose to go for a first timer but the ball lobbed over the bar. Moinuddin then got one into the net off a cleverly-taken corner but was called for offside.

Novin Gurung was booked for a rash tackle on Moinuddin while Philip Njoku also picked up a yellow card for Minerva. Both the sides missed a couple of more chances but Minerva took their one goal lead into the lemon break.

Aizawl began the second half stronger with Kromah striking a volley from just outside the box which went over. Minerva came back into the game and Toure got his second headed strike in the 59th minute, again off a corner shot by Opoku. 

As the game seemed to be meandering towards a Minerva victory, the home team got a penalty to pull one back. A long range clearance found the outstretched hand of Akashdeep inside the box and the referee Raktim Saha had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Dodoz converted despite Roy guessing the right away. 

Aizawl did try to press for the equaliser but Minerva managed to maintain the lead.