What is sure to prove an uphill battle awaits Shillong Lajong FC as they host Sreenidi Deccan in the I-League at First Ground, Polo, here tomorrow. Kick-off will be at 2pm.
Lajong earned a point in a disappointing draw against NEROCA four days ago but they are, at least, still unbeaten after having also taken a point away against Mohammedan Sporting away on November 3.
Sreenidi Deccan, on the other hand, have picked up two wins in three games, though they were handed a shock defeat at home in Hyderabad by Aizawl FC 2-1 on November 7.
Their victories came against NEROCA (4-0) and new entrants Inter Kashi (4-1).
In the pre-match press conference held today, Sreenidi head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto addressed this, saying that his boys are well-prepared for tomorrow’s match against Lajong and have studied the opposition well, especially after a disappointing loss in their last home match. However, he also stated that it will not be an easy game as Lajong are playing on their home ground.
The two teams have never faced each other in competitive football. Sreenidi joined the I-League as direct entrants in 2021-22 during the period that Lajong were out of the competition.
The Telangana-based club finished third in their inaugural season and were runners-up last year, making them a formidable team. Even Lajong owner Larsing Sawyan had talked about them in the pre-season as a club to watch out for this year.
At today’s press conference, Lajong coach Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet said that he is expecting a much better performance by the Reds this time out as they need the three points.
