By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: After five defeats in a row, Shillong Lajong have one last chance to prove a point to their detractors when they take on defending champions Salgaocar SC in a Round 26 match of the I-League at the JN Stadium here on Friday.
The match is crucial in the context that Lajong has not defeated any of the Goan teams this season. However, the hosts can draw confidence from the fact that most of the Lajong-Salgaocar contests have been closely fought. Earlier in the I-League, Salgaocar had defeated Lajong 2-1 in a 13th round match.
All eyes would also be on Salgaocar’s Shillong-born midfielder Rocus Lamare who is also a former Lajong player.
Meanwhile, with his team going through a bad run, Lajong coach Pradhyum Reddy minced no words when he said, “We are sorry for disappointing our fans. Hope they turn out to support us for this last encounter of the season. We would do our best to give them something to cheer about tomorrow.”
Reddy acknowledged that Salgaocar is a tough side to beat and Lajong have to be at their best to fancy any chances against them.
“They are in good form at the moment. It would be a good test for our boys,” he said.
Summing up Lajong’s performance in the I-League so far Reddy said that the Reds had achieved their primary target, which was to avoid relegation. “Unfortunately, the secondary target of moving into the top half of the table did not materialise,” he added. While Lajong had an issue with long breaks between the matches, Salgaocar complained of too little time between the games.
“These are things that the AIFF should sort out sooner than later,” said Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa.
Talking about Friday’s encounter Bencherifa said that Lajong had always been good opponents.
“In Federation Cup they (Lajong) were far better than us. It was a close contest in Goa (13th round match) too,” Bencherifa said.
“Both Lajong and Salgaocar play positive football and such games are good for the crowd,” he added.
The Salgaocar coach said that his team enjoyed playing in shillong due to the sporting atmosphere here.
“I hope at least 20 per cent of the fans support us as we have Rocus (Lamare) in the squad,” Bencherifa said on a lighter vein.
Meanwhile, both teams would miss the services of few players for the crucial encounter. The Goans would miss the services of goalkeeper Karanjit Singh, Francis Fernandes and Gilbert Oliveira. Lajong on the other hand would miss defender C Lallawmzuala.
Lajong are at 27 points from 25 matches while Salgaocar are at 43 points from 25 matches.
Bencherifa all praise
for Rocus
Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa termed Shillong-born midfielder Rocus Lamare as a perfect example of a consistent player and an ideal role model.
“Rocus has been in the team for almost 10 years now and while recognising his contributions the club will felicitate him at the beginning of next year (when he will complete 10 years).”