SHILLONG/JAMSHEDPUR: The so-called Bharat Bandh had an effect in the realm of sport as Shillong Lajong FC thought it wise to keep their training within the confines of the team’s hotel in Jamshedpur on Thursday, a day ahead of their all-important clash with Goan side Dempo SC in the Federation Cup.
Lajong had started the tournament on a positive note by beating Mumbai FC 2-1 on Wednesday and a further win against Dempo will be a feather in their caps.
Out of a total of five matches played between the two sides, SLFC have only won once, back in the 2009 Federation Cup. Lajong have lost their last three games to the Goan team.
The heat in the Jharkhand city is also a challenge, with Lajong coach Desmond Bulpin suggesting it would have been better to play the match in the evening under lights.
Bulpin also stated that the condition of the pitch will decide the game, as it is very wet and muddy. Other teams have also complained about the state of the JRD Tata Sports complex, where some of the Jamshedpur matches are being held.
The coach also warned of the large number of injuries that the club is faced with at present, but added that the boys are doing the best they can.
Perhaps due to the injury woes of the team, Lalrinzuala Khiangte, who is part of the Shillong Lajong FC Academy, is part of the squad for Friday’s match.
Bulpin said that the 18-year-old performed extremely well during the pre-season and deserves to be in the squad.
In Thursday’s matches, Salgaocar SC beat Prayag United 1-0, while Pune FC defeated United Sikkim by the same margin.
Sikkim were surprisingly without Bhaichung Bhutia, who was in Kolkata in a meeting with the state sports minister.
In Siliguri, two Group B matches were held, with Mohammedan beating Air India 1-0 and Mohun Bagan and Churchill Brothers playing out a goal-less draw. (Agencies)