SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong will take on Minerva Punjab in their 8th away game of the I-League 2018/19 season on Friday at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Chandigarh at 2PM.
Shillong Lajong played their last match at home against Real Kashmir FC and it was the visitors who took back home the three points after Aaron Katebe scored the only goal of the match in the 74th minute.
When Lajong hosted Minerva Punjab in the first leg encounter on 23rd November, the match ended in a 2-2 draw. Phrangki and Allen scored for Lajong while William and Philip netted for the Punjab side. After collecting only four points so far this season, The Reds continue to struggle at the bottom of the I-League table. Speaking ahead of the game, Coach Alison Kharsyntiew said, “The players played a much better game against Real Kashmir but the goal we conceded could have been avoided and the chances we had created should have been converted. But we have moved on now and all we can do is to keep learning from the mistakes we make and improve ourselves by training much harder.” “Every game is important for us and I believe that the players will play an even more attacking game on Friday and take full points.” “The young Lajong boys are gaining a lot of exposure this season and I am confident that they will be more matured and better in the seasons to come. I keep encouraging and motivating them to do their best and have more confidence.” “Lastly, Minerva is a very good team and they are strong at home. It won’t be an easy game but we are ready for the match on Friday and we want the three points.”Minerva Punjab is in the 7th position of the I-League table with 14 points. They have won three, drawn five and lost five games. Their last outing was against Gokulam Kerala on 19th January and the result was a 1-1 draw.
Minerva has scored a total of 7 goals so far this season. Two goals each came from William Opoku Asiedu, Lancine Toure and Philip Emeka Njoku and one goal from Jorge Ivan Caicedo Rodriguez. Minerva Punjab Coach Paul Munster also shared his thoughts ahead of the game during the pre-match press conference. He said, “We have used around 7 strikers and it hasn’t been good enough.” he concluded.
