JOIN USAizawl FC and Mohun Bagan sent the I-League title chase down to the wire as both the teams notched up contrasting wins in their respective matches on Saturday.
While Bayi Kamo struck twice for Aizawl in their convincing 3-1 win over Churchill Brothers, Bagan had Sony Norde to thank as he struck in the 84th minute to help Mariners beat Minerva Punjab FC 1-0.
The win means Bagan continue to occupy the top the league with 33 points from 16 games while Aizawl — also with 33 points — are second due to an inferior head-to-head record.
In Vasco, Kamo scored in the seventh and 46th minutes while Laldanmawia Ralte netted in the 84th minute for Aizawl.
Churchill pulled one back in the 69th minute through substitute Anthony De Souza.
The loss deepened Churchill’s problems as they will have to ensure that they win their remaining two games to keep their top flight status intact.
In Ludhiana, Bagan made a promising start to their tie against Minerva. Norde and Darryl Duffy proved to be a constant threat to the Minerva defence as Katsumi Yusa orchestrated the play in the middle.
Though they created a host of chances, Bagan had to wait till the very end when Norde made the most of a counter attack to race into the opposition area and slot home the goal.