Teams clash today in 4th round match
HILLONG: After a disappointing show against Sporting Clube de Goa in their last outing where they were defeated 0-1, Shillong Lajong FC will look to make amends when they take on East Bengal in a fourth round match of the I-League at the JN Stadium, Polo, on Wednesday at 3:30pm.
Despite a thumping start to the tournament, the Reds have not been able to capitalise on the two home games they have played so far and this makes the encounter against the formidable Red and Gold brigade crucial for the hosts.
East Bengal, meanwhile, playing the first match of the tournament, will also aim to start on a winning note.
The visitors have yet to contest an I-League match this season because they have been playing in the AFC Cup, where they reached the semifinals.
Despite an unbeaten record at home against EB, Lajong coach Thangboi Singto warned against complacency stating that, “East Bengal have always been a formidable side with good bench strength.”
However, Singto was confident of a good show on Wednesday.
“Lajong have always given East Bengal a good fight and we look forward to a similar performance tomorrow,” he said at a press conference here on Tuesday.
Talking about the disappointing outing against Sporting, Singto asserted that his side had created quite a few chances, which they failed to capitalise on.
“If we convert those chances we will definitely be on the winning side more often than not,” Singto said while admitting that the Reds have had a bit of a block against Sporting in the past.
Replying to a query on striker Cornell Glen’s form, Singto backed the Trinidad and Tobago international, who he felt was always hungry to better his performance.
SLFC might miss out on the services of Taisuke Matsugae, who is doubtful for Wednesday’s match after receiving a knock in the last game. A final call on his participation will be taken on Wednesday morning.
East Bengal, on the other hand, are also wary of the Reds and coach Marcos Falopa said, “We respect Lajong as they are a competitive side. It will be a very interesting game.”
Falopa was also happy with the weather in Shillong, which he said was ideal for the game of football.
“In football there are three important things, win, lose and draw, and we should try to win tomorrow.”
The Bengal side will be without the services of Uga Okpara among a few others, who may be rested after the AFC Cup.
Both coaches looked forward to a good turnout at the JNSC on Wednesday for the fixture.
“The match against Pune was an example of the support offered to us by our fans. Hopefully, we will have a good tomorrow,” Singto said.