Coach harpreet

Indian Football League: The inaugural season of the rechristened Indian Football League (IFL) kicked off on Friday with the former I-League winner Aizawl FC and hosts Namdhari Sports Academy splitting points, after they played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Namdhari Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib in Haryana.

Vanlalhriatzuala struck for the former champions in the 43rd minute of the first half to put Aizawl ahead, but Senegalese striker Abdoulaye Diallo restored parity in the sixth minute of added time ahead of the final whistle, to ensure the Punjab side came away with a point in the Division Two season opener. The result was the second draw in five encounters between the two sides, with Aizawl ahead 2-1 to date.

Aizawl coach Lalruatfela packed his midfield at kick-off, leaving Zomuansanga as the lone striker up front, to express a clear intent to exploit the wings. Namdhari gaffer Harpreet fielded a regular 4-4-2 formation and started with three Ghanians, skipper Lamine Moro at the heart of defence, and Francis Addo and Najeeb Ibrahim in the centre of midfield.