EMN
Dimapur, October 26
Shillong Lajong will take on Churchill Brothers Goa in the 7th round of the I-League at the J.N.Stadium, Shillong on the 28th of October, Monday at 4:30PM. Shillong Lajong are on a high after their impressive win against Mumbai FC in Pune. Commenting on the game in a pre-match press conference today, Lajong coach Thangboi Singto said, “The last game was a big boost for us and we are on the right track now.” Churchill Brothers on the other hand are facing a tough challenge as they have only secured two points from their 5 games in the league and are currently in the relegation zone. Churchill Brother’s coach, Mariano Dias said, “We are in rough weather right now and most of the players are yet to click. We are also struggling with injuries.” The defending champions have played at the J.N. Stadium earlier in the season against Rangdajied FC and know a bit about the weather in this part of the country and Dias said that it was hard for them “playing in higher altitudes”.
Shillong Lajong were impressive in their last game in Pune against Mumbai FC which saw a lot of good positive outcome. Cornell Glen seemed to be doing nothing wrong, finding the net twice and a couple of impressive all round performances from Seikhohao Tuboi, Boithang Haokip and Taisuke Matsugae forming a formidable force in midfield. Matsugae said he was “happy to score” and also added, “If I don’t get a goal it is not a problem, I just want to contribute for the team to win.” Even with the recent good results, Lajong are still yet to register a win at home but Shillong Lajong coach said, “The team is starting to gel and hopefully in the next match we will get our first win at home.”
While Lajong are searching for their first home win, Churchill Brothers are looking for their first ever win in the league this season after suffering major setbacks with main players being out with injuries. Gabonese striker Henri Antchouet who was the top scorer for Churchill Brothers in their last season is out with an injury and this has been an added pressure on the team who are struggling to convert their chances. Shillong Lajong also have their fair share of injuries with defenders C.Lallawmzuala out with an ankle injury and Lalchhuanmawia Fanai carrying a knee problem.
The game promises to be exciting as both teams are looking for wins even as Shillong Lajong FC have the edge with their recent good results and with the defending champions struggling to bring their form from last season. Lajong are placed sixth in the table with eight points from six games while Churchill Brothers have only two points from five games.
