Aizawl (Mizoram) [India], March 5 (ANI): Former champions Aizawl FC will host Rajasthan United FC on the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl, on Friday, March 6, 2026, within the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26, as the 2 evenly-matched sides look to safe their first victory of the marketing campaign.
The match will kick off at 18:30 IST and will likely be telecast stay on DD Sports and streamed on the Waves app, as per an IFL press launch.
Aizawl FC make their much-anticipated return to residence soil. The 2016-17 champions kicked off their season on February 27 with a 1-1 draw on the street towards Namdhari SA. Head coach Lalruatfela expressed clear tactical intent in that opener by packing his midfield and utilising Zomuansanga as a lone striker. However, late defensive vulnerabilities resurfaced as Aizawl conceded an injury-time equaliser.
Lalruatfela stated, “This week in training, our main focus has been on teamwork, discipline, and improving our finishing. We worked hard on our strategy and set pieces.”
Emphasising the significance of their supporters, the coach added, “Playing at home in front of our passionate Mizoram crowd is very special for us. The support from our fans gives us extra motivation and energy. We feel proud to represent them, and we want to give our best performance for them.”
Aizawl FC captain Lalhriatpuia emphasised their preparation, “The team are well prepared. We trained very hard this week. Mentally, we are focused and confident. Physically, everyone is fit and ready to give their best.”
Standing of their approach are Rajasthan United FC, who additionally arrive with one level following a hard-fought 1-1 draw towards Shillong Lajong FC on March 1. The Jaipur-based outfit demonstrated immense character in that away fixture. After falling behind to a Fifteenth-minute penalty rebound by Everbrightson Sana, they responded aggressively within the second half. Abhishek Ambekar secured the dear level with a composed 53rd-minute equaliser, slotting into an unguarded internet following a field scramble involving Amadou Soukouna.
Reflecting on that opening efficiency, assistant coach Vikas Rawat expressed confidence within the crew’s readiness. “The preparation is outstanding. After the first game, we have learnt a lot of lessons. Hopefully, we will get a positive result by executing our plans,” Rawat said.
Detailing their tactical method for the upcoming conflict, captain Bhabindra Malla Thakuri added, “We will play possession-based attacking football. We will give our best to get three points.”
Boasting a revamped squad, Rajasthan will look to take care of this preventing spirit to navigate one other troublesome away check. They may even draw confidence from their historic dominance over the house facet. “We would like to maintain our good record in Aizawl,” Rawat emphasised.
Indeed, the historic head-to-head document strongly favours the guests. In their seven earlier I-League encounters, Rajasthan United have secured three wins to Aizawl’s one, with three matches ending in a draw. Rajasthan additionally holds a 7-5 combination aim benefit over Aizawl throughout these conferences.
With each side sitting on a single level within the early standings and wanting to safe their first win of the marketing campaign, Friday’s conflict guarantees to be an early indicator of intent. Hosts Aizawl FC will likely be eager to beat their historic head-to-head deficit and make a robust first impression at residence, whereas Rajasthan United FC will look to attract on their historic dominance in what is predicted to be a fiercely aggressive contest. (ANI)
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