SHILLONG: Pushed to the fourth spot, title aspirants Royal Wahingdoh FC would look to settle for nothing less than a win when they take on Mumbai FC in a Hero I-League match at the JN Stadium in Shillong at 4.30 PM on Sunday.
RWFC moved down to the fourth spot behind leaders Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC and East Bengal after going down to Dempo in their last encounter.
The Royals are currently at 26 points from 16 games and have their task cut out for the future games as far as staying in the hunt for the champions tag is concerned.
Mumbai, meanwhile are placed seventh in the standings with 15 points and are without the services of coach Khalid Jamil who was handed a four-match ban.
On the eve of the tie, RWFC coach Santosh Kashyap reiterated that RWFC was still a title contender and said his side would look to use the home advantage in the best possible manner against Mumbai. “Every match is big for us…tomorrow we will be up against a good, ‘rough and tough side’ . Will try to make use of the home advantage,” Kashyap said.
Reacting to a query, the RWFC coach said his team was not under any kind of pressure in the wake of their title ambitions.
“We have built expectations and even exceeded them. There is no pressure on our boys. We are still taking one game at a time and see where we reach,” Kashyap said.
Meanwhile, Mumbai FC manager Henry Picardo said that it will be a challenging outing for his side considering the fatigue caused by the tight schedule of the games.
Picardo added that his side would have to work on its weaknesses from the last three games and also counter the home crowd.
Reacting to a query Picardo asserted that the absence of coach Khalid Jamil would not affect the team which has done well in the last two outings.
“The players are well accustomed to the situation and his (Jamil’s) absence would not affect the outcome of the tie,” Picardo said.
The hot-tempered Jamil and Bengaluru assistant coach Pradyum Reddy were banned for four matches by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Disciplinary Committee following the controversial Bengaluru-Mumbai tie at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru earlier in the month.
Meanwhile, RWFC will miss out on Lalmangaihsanga. Kim Song Yong and Lallawnzuala are doubtful starters for Sunday.
