Aizawl FC ran out 2-1 winners over defending champions Mohun Bagan in a round 14 I-League encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Mizoram, on Saturday. Joel Sunday (3') opened the scoring before Cornell Glen (24') equalised but Lalchhawnkima (54') scored from the spot to hand the Green and Maroon brigade their first defeat of the 2015/16 I-League campaign.

Jahar Das rung in four changes to his side as Albert Zohmingmawia was favoured ahead of Biaktea and young goalkeeper Lalawmpuia was handed an I-League debut in place of Poirei Soram. Suspended defensive duo Emmanuel Chigozie and Lalram Chullova were replaced by HS Imanuel Lalthazuala and Lalchawnkima respectively.

Mohun Bagan had to make four forced alterations. Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sony Norde, Pronay Halder and Pritam Kotal were away on international duty so Cornell Glen, Manish Bhargav, Souvik Chakraborty and Dhanachandra Singh were ushered in as replacements.

The match got off to a brilliant start for the home side as Joel Sunday Ayeni found the back of the net within the opening three minutes, putting immense pressure on the visiting side without their big name players.

Makeshift right-back HS Lalthazuala was replaced by Laltha Kima in the 15th minute following an injury scare.

In the following minute, Glen missed a sitter from eight yards out as the Trinidadian shot off target to miss out on an opportunity to equalise.

However, Glen restored parity in the 24th minute as a defensive error caused by lack of communication between Kimkima and debutant keeper Lalawmpuia allowed the 35 year-old to take advantage and score with ease.

Right after the goal, Bagan came out in attacking fashion with Subhash Singh and Katsumi providing the impetus from the left flank. They earned three free-kicks but none were converted by the duo.

Prabir Das, playing in for Pritam Kotal was impressive with the way he kept Brandon at bay from dangerous positions to justify his selection.

Glen shot wide from close range from Souvik Chakraborty’s pass three minutes short of the whistle.

Both teams went into the break with one goal apiece but the home side had the lion's share of possession and a better pass completion percentage over the defending I-League champions.

Kean Lewis replaced Manish Bhargav on the pitch for Mohun Bagan as Shankar Lal Chakraborty sought a more attack-minded midfield to assist Glen upfront.

Glen and Subash Singh combined on the right flank. The Manipur foward’s cross troubled the Aizawl FC keeper but Ruatthara cleared the ball.

Aizawl FC were awarded a penalty in the 54th minute as Dhanachandra Singh was found guilty of handling the ball from Ruatthara’s shot inside the box with the referee pointing to the spot.

Experienced defender Lalchhawnkima stepped up to take the penalty and the former Atletico de Kolkata sweeper slotted it to his left, sending Majumder the wrong way. The crowd were jubilant as Aizawl led the Kolkata giants by a goal with the better part of the second half left.

Brandon Valpuia put up an excellent show on the right wing. The 22 year-old seamlessly riffled through the Bagan full-back to deliver numerous crosses into the box and constantly posed a threat.

Aizawl FC clearly dominated proceedings over the away side as captain David Lalrinmuana inspired the Reds to fight for every ball in midfield. Jahar Das’ side looked far the better team but Bagan were hot on their heels, searching for an equaliser.

Katsumi earned a couple of more free-kicks for his side but the Green and Maroon brigade were unable to capitalise.

Referee Priyobrata Singh signalled five minutes of injury time but Mohun Bagan were held off well as Aizawl denied the champions a sniff of a goal.

Aizawl moved clear off the bottom of the table with twelve points, pushing Shillong Lajong into the relegation spot.

For Mohun Bagan, the defeat could be a major upset as they prepare for the return leg of the Kolkata Derby to be played in seven days time in Siliguri.

However, Shankar Lal Chakraborty can take some solace out of the fact that his major stars would return in time for the match against East Bengal.