SHILLONG: In what promises to be an exciting game of football, hosts Shillong Lajong FC will lock horns with Kolkata giants McDowell Mohun Bagan in a Round 8 Hero I-League encounter at the JN Stadium here on Friday.
Both sides are on a high coming into Friday’s tie after wins in their respective matches recently. While Lajong tamed Dempo SC 2-0 in an away game, Bagan routed defending champions Bengaluru FC 4-0 in their last home game.
Placed ninth in the standings, Friday’s home encounter is all the more crucial for the Reds who had to play their last four matches away, losing as many as three of them.
Their rivals, meanwhile, are yet to be beaten this season and are placed third in the table with 11 points from five games. They have won three games while the other two ended in a draw.
After a patchy start to the I-League, the win against Dempo has come as a relief to SLFC and the return of Minchol Son has only lifted the spirits of the Reds.
Stating that the win over Dempo was just what the doctor ordered for his team, Lajong coach Thangboi Singto said Minchol’s return is certain to strengthen the back line of the Reds who have conceded a few too many this season.
“Minchol’s return has given us more solidity and strength in the back four,” Singto said quickly adding that it’s a team game and the playing XI has to deliver on any given day for the side’s success.
Singto, who has high regards for the ‘mighty’ Bagan side was also confident of a good show by his boys on Friday.
Meanwhile, despite having a good run this season a ‘humble’ Mohun Bagan coach, Sanjoy Sen said, “It’s a new game and Lajong are a quality opponent with a balanced side…we hope to do well against them tomorrow (Friday).”
He added that the Mariners will have to quickly adapt to the weather conditions in this part of the world to perform to their potential on Friday.
The new Bagan coach also showered praise on Lajong’s Boithang Haokip calling him one of the best Indian players at present.
While Bagan has an all-fit squad, Cornell Glen and Boithang are doubtful starters for Lajong on Friday and a final decision on them will be taken before the match.
Meanwhile, Minchol expressed happiness to be back in the thick of action for the hosts and was looking forward to playing his first home game of the season on Friday.
