28 February, Aizawl: Sreenidi Deccan FC suffered a setback in their title ambitions after being held to a 1-1 draw by Aizawl FC here at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium in a Matchday 20 Hero I-League clash on Tuesday. Rilwan Hassan’s 80th minute opener was cancelled out by Ivan Veras’s header five minutes later as the Deccan Warriors failed to bounce back from their 4-6 loss to Mohammedan SC last time out.

 

The first half was a shot-shy affair as both sides struggled to impose themselves on the game and create any meaningful openings. Midfielder Faysal Shayesteh came close for Sreenidi Deccan with a free-kick from 30 yards out which was tipped over by Aizawl goalkeeper Muansanga. Forward Louis Ogana then hit the post a couple of minutes later with a low shot as the first half ended scoreless.

 

The second half sprung into life after the 75th minute as Muansanga was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the penalty box and five minutes later, Sreenidi Deccan took advantage of their numerical superiority as Hassan headed in the opening goal. But the Deccan Warriors’ joy turned to dismay in the 85th minute as Aizawl FC substitute Veras’s looping header beat Aryan Lamba in goal to make it 1-1.

 

Ogana thought he had won it for Sreenidi Deccan late on but his effort was ruled out for offside. The point leaves Sreenidi Deccan with 41 points from 20 matches and will next take on Real Kashmir in Hyderabad on March 5.