By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Rangdajied United FC could become the second club from the city to qualify for the I-League’s top tier on Saturday if they can negotiate what is likely to be a tough contest ag-ainst Mohammedan Sport-ing in the second leg of the 2nd Division in Bangalore.
“It’s a do or die game for us tomorrow,” Khlain P Syiemlieh, RUFC’s assistant coach, was quoted as saying on the All India Football Fe-deration website on Friday. “We have to beat the odds. Mohammedan Sporting are a top side. But we are full of confidence and the occa-sion serves just the right kind of impetus for the boys.
“Tomorrow is a must win match for us. We need to be on our toes,” he added.
Mohammedan are already through, having garnered 18 points from nine matches, compared to 16 for Rangdajied.
The two clubs are to meet at 1:30pm.
The team from Megha-laya are also on a high after winning their last four games, conceding just two goals while scoring eight.
Bhawanipore FC, the team that RUFC are competing with for the final spot, have 14 points.
They will take on Mumbai Tigers at 4:00pm.
A win for the Shillong club will take them through to first place, guaranteeing them a place in the I-League no matter what happens in the later game.
A draw or defeat will complicate matters, however.
If Rangdajied draw, a win for Bhawanipore will put both teams level on points and, as the head-to-head is equal, goal difference will come into play. Both teams have a goal difference of +4.
But if Rangdajied lose, they will need Mumbai Tigers to hold or even defeat Bhawanipore.
The Tigers, however, have been on something of a downward slide, losing their last four contests.
“As far as the other match is concerned, we can only hope and pray that Sporting beat Rangdajied,” Bhawanipore coach Juliano Fontana said. “Sporting have been the best team here. I feel they can outwit Rangdajied who also have peaked at the right time.”