By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC would be desperate for a win when they take on Mohun Bagan in the eighth round match of the I-League to be played at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal on Friday.
Lajong, who were drubbed 5-0 by Dempo in their last I-League encounter, have an unbeaten record in Imphal so far and coach Pradyum Reddy said, “The team would like to wrap-up the Imphal adventure with three points tomorrow.”
Lajong last played Bagan in the Federation Cup in September, when the team from Shillong beat their Bengal rivals 3-1. Hence Lajong coach was confident of a good show against the mariners on Friday.
“We tend to play well against Bagan,” he said.
“Their weaknesses tend to ally with our strengths,” Reddy added in a lighter vein.
While citing the example of Prayag United’s victory over Bagan last week, Reddy asserted that any team is beatable at this level.
What could also work in Lajong’s favour is the number of injuries the Mohun Bagan have been plagued with of late.
However, the Lajong coach accepted that Bagan would be a hard nut to crack given the fact that they are second in the points table and Lajong lie 10th.
Talking about the Dempo match, Reddy said it was disappointing to lose by such big a margin and hinted a couple of changes in the squad on Friday.
Bagan on the other hand have had a good run in the tournament so far. Despite their shock defeat against Prayag United in Kolkata last week, the big spenders from Bengal have lived up to their reputation, beating the likes of East Bengal and Churchill Brothers among others.
Meanwhile, AIFF officials have assured that the match will take place as per schedule and Wednesday’s blast in Imphal will have no impact on the tournament. The Manipur Football Association also pitched in with all possible support.
