Aizawl FC did their compatriot, Bengaluru FC a huge favor by beating New Radiant SC 2-1 in the Group E match to knock out the Maldivian side out of AFC Cup as Bengaluru FC emerged as the winners from Group E.
After the drab first half, the game picked up momentum and intensity as the Maldivian side needed a win to top Group E while Aizawl FC chased their elusive first win from Group A.
Aizawl FC had to wait till 61st minute to score their opening goal through a penalty as Leonce Dodoz converted a spot kick after Ionescu was brought down inside the box. Andrei Ionescu doubled Aizawl’s lead in the 82 minute to score from close range controlling Renthlei Laldinliana’s long ball to lose his marker and finish it off in his second attempt.
Ibrahim Atheeq’s goal in the 85th minute reduced the margin to 2-1 but wasn’t enough to salvage New Radiant’s dashed hopes to qualify for the next round as Bengaluru FC with their 4-0 win over Abahani Limited qualified as Group E toppers.