IFL 2025-26: Aizawl scores three past Rajasthan to secure first win of the season

Aizawl FC registered a 3-1 win over Rajasthan United FC to secure their first win of the 2025-2026 I-League season at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on Friday.

Zomuasanga gave the hosts the lead in the 12th minute before Rajasthan United equalized through Pedro Astray in the 32nd minute. Aizawl pulled away in the second half with goals from Vincent Lalduhawma and a long-range strike from Lalhriatpuia in stoppage time.

Aizawl head coach R. Lalruatfela remained confident in his all-Mizo starting XI and named an unchanged squad for the match. Rajasthan United head coach Vikrant Sharma made three changes, bringing in defenders William Pauliankhum, Lalfelkima and Gerard Artigas in place of Kynsailang Khongsit, Pragyan Sundar Gogoi and Jordan Lamela.

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The home side looked the more stable of the two and took advantage of a defensive error to take the lead in the 12th minute. Vincent Lalduhawma floated a cross from the touchline towards Zomuasanga, the only attacker inside the penalty area. The striker rose high and sent a header into the net, leaving the defenders and goalkeeper on the spot.

Rajasthan United, who were in second place until the half-hour mark, leveled in the 32nd minute through a set piece. Shafeel PP launched a long throw-in deep into the penalty area which was only half cleared by the Aizawl defense and fell to Pedro Astray. The Spaniard’s effort took a deflection off Vanlalawpuia before beating the goalkeeper.

The first half ended 1-1, with both teams looking lively but unable to create clear scoring chances.

The visitor started the second half on the front foot and retained possession in the opponent’s half. However, Aizawl defended calmly and largely limited Rajasthan United to attempts from outside the box, while remaining dangerous on the counter.

Aizawl regained the lead in the 69th minute with a well-executed move. Laltlanzova picked the ball from a defender on the edge of the penalty area and rolled it to Lalrempuia. The left-back curled a cross into the penalty area, where Vincent arrived from Abhishek Ambekar’s blind side and headed a header past goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri.

Rajasthan United tried to increase the pace after falling behind, with Vikrant Sharma introducing new legs, but struggled to create clear chances as Aizawl retained their defensive shape.

The hosts sealed the victory in stoppage time when substitute Lalhriatpuia struck from around 30 yards and his long-range effort flew into the net to confirm all three points.

Published on March 6, 2026