SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC will play their last away game of the Hero I-League this season when they lock horns with I-League newbies, Kalyani Bharat FC at the Balewadi Stadium, Pune on Sunday.
Shillong Lajong FC have certainly up their ante and currently boast of not having lost a single match post the international break. Coach Thangboi Singto himself acknowledges the fact that the team had their real pre-season during the break which helped in building a stronger side for the second leg.
However, the major drawback at the moment is injuries hitting the players during this very crucial period of the I-League.
Captain Aibor Khongjee had to be replaced during the Shillong Derby and is nursing his injury in Shillong at the moment. Young midfielder, Joseph Lalfakzuala was also knocked down during the Mohun Bagan encounter in Kolkata and was left out of the Shillong Derby. Another player missing from the squad is Semilen Doungel as the forward was booked for a double yellow in the Shillong Derby and hence not eligible for the upcoming match against Bharat FC.
Free kick specialist Boithang Haokip who missed the action against Mohun Bagan and Wahingdoh, due to injury will look to make his return in Sunday’s match although the final call on his fitness will be taken before the game. Singto’s troops are heading into Sunday’s clash after playing out a 1-1 draw against Wahingdoh in what was a “heartbreaking” Shillong Derby for the Reds giving away the lead in the last minute.
On the eve of the match Singto said, “It will be a tough game against Bharat FC and we need to consistent throughout 90 minutes to secure points.”
“Belief, confidence, teamwork, strong and winning mentality and enjoying the game with cent per cent commitment is what will give us good results,” the coach said.
“Bharat FC is an experienced and good team in set pieces. We need to perform as a unit”, he concluded.
