Kashyap urges boys to enjoy the game
SHILLONG: On a high, table toppers Royal Wahingdoh will look to tame hosts Mumbai FC in their den during a Round 7 Hero I-League match at the Cooperage Ground, Mumbai on Friday.
The Royals, who regained the top spot in the standings after their convincing home victory over Sporting Clube de Goa, will look to repeat their Federation Cup feat when they defeated Mumbai 2-1.
However, the hero of that match, Jackichand Singh, is still a doubtful starter for Wahingdoh having picked up an injury during the game against Dempo. The star striker may not make it to the starting XI but is likely to feature as a substitute.
Nevertheless, the Royals, who have moved from strength to strength in their debut season will have the momentum on their side.
The visitors have already had a remarkable season so far starting their I-league battle with a win over local rivals Shillong Lajong FC and following it up with impressive away victories over the tried and tested Salgaocar and new-boys Bharat FC. The Royal juggernaut was, however, halted for a while by defending champions Bengaluru FC who beat them 4-0. But the gritty debutants fought their way back to secure a point against Dempo and and backed it up with a well earned victory over Sporting in the last home game which took them to 13 points and to the top of the table.
On Friday, RWFC will be up against a 8th-placed Mumbai side which has seen some form recently. Mumbai, who shocked Salgaocar 3-0 last week, will be a hard nut to crack for the Royals who, despite being on the top, have conceded seven goals in the six matches played so far.
On the eve of the crucial encounter RWFC coach, Santosh Kashyap said, “The morale of the team is very high and we will like to collect all three points tomorrow.”
Kashyap, however, added that he did not want to put his boys under pressure. “I want them to enjoy the game,” he reiterated.
The visitors will once again rely on the teamwork, unity and fighting spirit the squad has shown so far to cross the Mumbai hurdle successfully.
Wahingdoh’s forward line will look to inflict maximum damage and take control of the game early on. The likes of Kim Yeong-Song, Seityasen Singh, Densill Theobald and Bekay Bawar among others will again hold the key to Royals success.
Defender Govin Singh, meanwhile, will miss out again on Friday due to an injury.
Mumbai FC on the other hand will be an alert lot on Friday.
“They are a strong side and are table toppers. We have to be very alert. Our concentration should be higher. Yes, the victory over Salgaocar has boosted our confidence but we have a long way to go in the league,” said Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil. (With inputs from PTI)