Luka Majcen, formerly of Gokulam, scored the decisive goal of the match deep in the second half, sending the Punjab side to second place on the league standings with 17 points from eight matches -- two points behind Sreenidi Deccan, who have 19 points after playing nine matches so far
The hosts start as favourites by virtue of their 100 per cent win rate at home so far, which includes victories against Sudeva Delhi FC (3-0) and Rajasthan United FC (1-0) in their last two fixtures.
Dodi Ndo's second-half strike, followed by a Shijin T brace gave the defending champions their first win in four matches, taking them to third place on the standings. However, for the visitors, the result means a fifth straight loss as they remain rooted to the bottom of the points table
The defending champions return back to their home turf after facing a series of disappointing results since their back-to-back wins at the start of the season.
On the other hand, the Red Machines have endured a tough beginning to this campaign, suffering losses at home to Rajasthan United FC (1-2) and Sreenidi Deccan FC (2-3), before playing out a 1-1 draw away to Mumbai Kenkre FC.
The home side will be high on confidence after picking up two wins in their last two fixtures, the most recent of which was a 1-0 victory against TRAU FC. The visitors have had a solid start to the season as well, playing out a goalless draw in their last outing against Real Kashmir FC
The hosts will be looking to build on their 2-1 victory against Sreenidi Deccan FC in the opening round while on the other hand, Mohammedan will seek their first win after going down narrowly (0-1) against champions Gokulam Kerala FC on the inaugural day of the new season.
Thahir Zaman's perfect header three minutes from the final whistle proved enough for the Malabarians to return to the dressing room with three points and stay at the table top with six points from two encounters.
Aizawl will head into the match on the back of a 1-1 draw against TRAU FC in their opening fixture, where Argentine midfielder Matias Veron was sent off and will be suspended for this game. Gokulam won their opening match 1-0 against Mohammedan SC earlier this week. In their previous meeting
A two-time Malaysian League title winner, KLC FC qualified for the semis after ending up on the winning side in their ASEAN Zonal Final against Indonesian club PSM Makassar.