SHILLONG: Putting behind the disappointment of losing the first match of the season last week, Shillong Lajong FC will aim to be among points when they take on Mumbai FC in a Round 2 Hero I-League match at the JN Stadium here on Sunday.
Lajong, who were without the services of their foreigners barring Cornell Glen, went down 1-2 to Royal Wahingdoh in the Shillong derby last week. On Sunday, the hosts will be up against a Mumbai side which suffered a 3-1 loss at the hands of Mohun Bagan in its first I-League encounter of the season.
The hosts will be boosted by the presence of their foreign players Brazilian striker Uilliams Souza and new signing, Nigerian midfielder Penn Orji. Besides, new captain Aiborlang Khongjee, who missed the last match due to a rib injury, is also available for Sunday’s encounter. Last season’s tied top scorer in the I-League, Cornell Glen who was used as a substitute in the last game may also feature in the “starting XI”.
Speaking at the pre-match conference Lajong coach Thangboi Singto said, “We all know that good quality foreigners always make a difference… we are happy to have the likes of Uilliams and Penn with us. With the foreigners and Aibor Khongjee coming back we will have more quality and experience tomorrow (Sunday).”
Lajong have a better head to head record against Mumbai FC and Mumbai coach Khalid Jamil re-established the difficulty of playing against the Reds in Shillong.
“Playing in Shillong is by no means easy…the cold weather conditions and the partisan crowd makes things even more difficult for us,” Jamil said.
Unlike Lajong which would be bolstered by the return of foreigners, Mumbai has injury worries in midfielder Paresh Shivalkar and striker Josimar.Sunday’s encounter will be the Lajong’s final home game before they play four consecutive matches away and the Reds are certain o go all out for a win.
