SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC will have to draw on all their inherent talent as they face Sporting Clube de Goa in Mapusa, Goa, on Saturday.
The match will begin at 3:30pm and will be broadcast live on Ten Action.
The Reds, fourth in the standings with 20 points, have never beaten Sporting in five I-League encounters; they were 1-0 losers at home in October to the Goan club, who are second with 21 points from 12 games, one match less than Lajong.
A victory for the Shillong club would catapult them to second position; Pune FC are currently third, also with 21 points.
SLFC have had a very good time in Goa this season, with two victories from two matches.
The Reds first won 3-0 over Dempo in their opening game of the season before pipping defending champions Churchill Brothers 1-0 on Tuesday.
Sporting Clube’s coach Oscar Bruzon seems to be an admirer of the Shillong club.
“I know the Shillong Lajong FC coach (Thangboi Singto) quite well and I like the team. I saw both their matches in Goa which they won and their organisation is immaculate. We will have to be at our best to break them down,” he was quoted as saying on the official I-League website on Friday.
Meanwhile Singto said, “Sporting Clube is a very good side and Lajong has to play to the best ability to beat them.”
When asked if the team will face any added pressure he explained, “There is no added pressure to the team. We need to believe and have a good start. Winning mentality is a must for this game. To win we need consistency and a disciplined performance.”
The visitors will be missing Uilliams Souza Silva, who is receiving treatment for an injury in Shillong, while Singto said a final call on captain Minchol Son, who has missed two consecutive games, will be taken on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in the other match of the day, Mohun Bagan will host Dempo in Kolkata.
