EMN
Dimapur, April 12
The last time Rangdajied United and Mohammedan Sporting Club met at the JN Stadium in Shillong, it was the Kolkata side which triumph 3-0, courtesy of goals by Zerry, Tolgay and Joshimar.
But for the return leg at the Yuva Bharathi Krirangan in Salt Lake on Sunday, the home team will be in trouble if they expect another easy road. Much have changed since their outing in Shillong last October.
Coaches of both the sides, who took charges in the first leg - Bola Aziz and Santosh Kashyap - are no longer in their respective teams while lots of players' shuffling have happened in both the sides. While the changes have not gone well for Mohammedan Sporting, which have pushed them down to the rock bottom, the alterations have been a blessing for Rangdajied United, who are in the 9th position.Hence, both the teams will go into the match, aiming nothing less than 3 points. A win for Rangdajied would mean, they will steer themselves clear from the relegation zone with still having to play the Shillong Derby. While for the Sanjoy Sen side, a win may help them climb a spot, provided Churchill Brothers don't win against Mumbai FC later in the evening.
The Rangdajied camp is confident for a win to get off the relegation monkey that have sit on their back since the start. The Shillong side have been playing great football since Herring Shangpliang was thrust upon the coach's role. Under him, RUFC won three back to back matches at home before referee killed the match against East Bengal in Kolkata.
This was followed by a 2-1 win over Salgaocar FC in Goa, when the team played under Asst. Coach, Khlain Syiemlieh. But the home dominancy was withered away when Sporting Goa pipped The Blues 2-1 on the 2d of this month.
Hence Rangdajied will seek redemption against the IFA Shield and Durand Cup champions, perhaps with the same line up. There is no injury worries to anyone and what is best in the team is everyones willingness to give the extra bit.
Ranti Martins, who have joined the team from United SC on the transfer day dateline have been a saviour, having already pumped in 7 goals in the 6 games. While the likes of Kim Song and T. Lalnunpuia have always been in the thick of actions. Even on Sunday, they are going to be the team's mainstay up front.
In the middle, captain Eugeneson and Tomba will once again take the charge with Steven Dias and David Ngaihte likely to exploit the flanks. The backline will be held in place by the experienced Gouramangi and Tamba, with Yohei and Munmun on either side. And it will be Rehnesh TP, who will be the shot stopper for the team.
However, one thing that has been a little worrying for the team is the Kolkata heat, which have been on the higher side of the 30s in the last few days. This is a serious contrast to the cold Shillong weather but boys have preferred to overlook the weather and give their best 90 minutes of their life, starting 5PM on Sunday.
