SHILONG/Jamshedpur: Shillong Lajong FC face Mumbai FC in the inaugural match here on Wednesday, while in a simultaneous match, I-League champions Dempo take on AIFF developmental side Pailan Arrows.
Twelve teams divided into four groups, including defending champions Salgaocar, will vie for top honours in the premier league-cum-knockout club tournament which is being held in Jamshedpur and Siliguri.
The tournament, which will be a curtain raiser for the I-League, has the added significance that the winners will play in the AFC Cup.
Mumbai finished 11th last season in the I-League, one spot below Lajong.
Lajong will be looking to extend their winning run and play in the same fashion as they did in the North East Lajong Super Series, which they won after defeating Wellington Phoenix FC.
SLFC Head Coach Desmond Bulpin believes that it is important “to stay positive”, and also said that there is no problem playing against the champions Dempo, Pailan Arrows or Mumbai.
“It is a good draw, and it will be interesting to see how the boys respond and play on natural grass as compared to the artificial turf at home,” he added.
Lajong’s Newly-appointed captain, Renedy Singh, who has been injured for quite a while, will be making a comeback in the tournament.
“The pitch is bumpy and it is very hot out here,” Bulpin said in Jamshedpur.
“It is surely not the best conditions to play football, but we have to get on with it and make the best of it because its the same for all the other teams as well.
He noted the injury worries, but expressed hope that his players would be fit for the game. The final squad will be selected before the match.
“We will be playing Mumbai and it will be a tough game. I hope that the boys will perform well and give their best, and hopefully win our first game,” he said. (Agencies)