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Shillong Lajong FC will take on Mohammedan Sporting in the 8th round of the I-League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium today afternoon at 4:30pm.
This will be the first time these two teams will square off in an I-League encounter after Mohammedan Sporting were promoted back to the I-League.
After having already played five matches at home, Lajong FC are still looking for their first home win in the campaign. Speaking at a press conference today, Shillong Lajong coach Thangboi Singto said, “We will play to win, hopefully the best team wins tomorrow.”
The hosts were unlucky to end the last game against Churchill Brothers in a draw after losing their one goal lead in stoppage time. Singto added, “It was disappointing to concede the second goal but as a team we have improved and we will look for three points tomorrow.”
The Reds will be without star striker Cornell Glen and Japanese midfielder Taisuke Matsugae is doubtful for tomorrow’s game. However, they have the services of North Korean defender, Minchol Son, who has been their pillar in defense and with Brazilian Ulliams finding his scoring touch. Lajong may just have the upper hand with the home fans eagerly awaiting their first victory at home. Minchol Son added, “It will be very interesting tomorrow and we must prepare well. We will give all our emotion, passion and everything we have.”
Mohammedan Sporting will go into the game this Saturday with a lot of confidence after a good run of matches in the I-League. The visitors have two wins and a draw in their previous three matches, including their 3-0 win against Lajong rivals, Rangdajied United FC here in Shillong. Mohammedan coach, Abdul Aziz Moshood was “happy” to be back in Shillong and having familiarized themselves with the weather, the weather factor will not be a problem. The coach is worried at the injuries amounting in the squad but he will be looking towards the services of Tolgay Ozbey and Josimar who have constantly been finding the back of the net for their team.
The two teams have faced each other before in the 2nd division of the I-League in which Lajong FC emerged the winners and the fans’ expectations are amounting for Lajong to get yet another win in the I-League tie this Saturday as well.
Shillong Lajong are just two points ahead of Mohammedan Sporting in the league table, with nine points from seven matches. The Reds will see themselves in the top four if they come up with a win against the Kolkata side in tomorrow’s match.
