SHILLONG: The Mumbaikars who have not lost a single match at their new home fortress this I-League season are all set to host North East I-League Club, Shillong Lajong FC at the Cooperage Stadium in Mumbai on Friday.
The North East outfit heads into this fixture after playing out a 1-1 draw at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa against Sporting Clube De Goa on March 28. Lajong picked up a point courtesy a goal from striker Cornell Glen.
While the Reds’ strikers have fared this season, their defence seems to have let them down conceding early goals and committing costly errors as the side lingered at the 10th spot in the standings.
However, a win on Friday will take them to the 8th position and also end Mumbai’s unbeaten run at home.
Coach Thangboi Singto shared some light on the team’s defence line on the eve of the game.
“After Conceding early against Sporting Clube, we stood strong and held Odafa and Wolfe. That shows, overall we have improved defensively. We still have to concentrate in not conceding early goals,” he said.
Mumbai FC coached by former India International Khalid Jamil lost 1-0 to Lajong in the reverse fixture in Shillong. It was Lajong’s second home game and the Club’s first win of the season. The Reds have only played three home games so far.
Coach Thangboi Singto added, “Mumbai FC is a strong and physical side. We need to match them in the areas as I mentioned earlier in order to get a positive result.”
The match against Mumbai is Lajong’s second away fixture since the international break and the team would be eager to snatch all the three points from the hosts.
