I-League 2017 kicks-off today (Saturday) with a double-header. In the opening match of the season East Bengal will face Aizawl FC. There may be uncertainty over tournament’s future, but for now, all the attention will be on the field as 10 teams get set to chase the glory. The East Bengal vs. Aizawl FC match will be played at Barasat Stadium, former’s home venue. The football game will start at 4:30 pm IST. Ten 2 will telecast the East Bengal vs. Aizawl FC match live, and online streaming of the match will be available on the official website of Ten Sports here. However, fans will have to pay a nominal subscription fee to watch the match.
Both East Bengal and Aizawl FC will be eyeing their first I-League title and for that it is important to get off to a winning start. East Bengal, no doubt, start as favourites. The Trevor Morgan coached side has faced Aizawl FC twice, emerging as winner on both the occasions.
In their first meeting last year, East Bengal won by 2-0 and then in the last match Kolkata-based side won 3-2. And now they will looking to continue their domination over the Mizoram based team. Also Read- Lajong FC signs Dan Gelu Ignat and Yuta Kinowaki ahead of I-League 2017
Aizawl FC were set to be dropped from I-League 2017 season but they held on to their place in the top division after a good show in the Federation Cup 2016. Aizawl FC reached the finals of the tournament, but lost to Mohun Bagan 5-0 in the final. Aizawl FC’s place in the tournament was further reinstated after Dempo and Salgaocar decided to withdraw citing differences with the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) proposal to make ISL the top tier league from 2017-18.
Aizawl FC have played 16 I-League matches thus far, winning four, losing eight and as many games ended in draws. Khalid Jamil, who overtook Jahar Das as team’s coach, will be hoping for a bright start.
East Bengal, one of the oldest teams in the tournament’s history, will be hoping for a positive start as well. However, the team has not tasted sucess in their last five matches, having lost three and drawn two games.
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