Shillong,Feb 21: Shillong Lajong FC will host Gokulam Kerala FC in their 9th home game of the I-League 2018/19 season on 22nd February, Friday at the JN Stadium Shillong at 5PM.
Shillong Lajong has three matches remaining that is against Gokulam Kerala, Aizawl FC and Mohun Bagan and desperately need to get points from all these matches in order to better their position in the I-League standings.
Currently, at the bottom of the table, Shillong Lajong will host Gokulam Kerala FC who is just above Lajong with 13 points. Thus, Friday’s game is as crucial for Lajong as it is for Gokulam but as for the hosts, Shillong Lajong will make full use of the home advantage and grab the win.
The Reds were on the losing end in their last game at home against Chennai City by a 2-4 margin. Kitbok Pale and Samuel Lyngdoh Kynshi scored the goals for Shillong Lajong. Kynshi is currently the leading goal scorer of the club for this season with 5 goals and is the only U-21 player from all the 11 I-League teams to score as many goals.
Despite the loss, Lajong displayed a strong attacking performance against the table toppers in their last encounter and will carry forward the same momentum into Friday’s game.
In the pre-match press conference that was held on Thursday, Shillong Lajong FC Head Coach, Alison Kharsyntiew said, “The three days after the last game was all about recovery and to mentally prepare ourselves and do well on Friday. At the end of 90mins the best team wins and so hopefully the boys will put more efforts and concentration and get the three points. Its’ a do or die for us and we need to fight hard.”
On the other hand, team’s captain Aiban Dohling talked about his performance so far this season and said, “I want to thank the coach, the backroom staff and the team for helping me a lot and giving me the opportunity to play and helping me develop as a player.
He said “I got the chance to play 16 games, but on Friday it is also another crucial game and we hope for the three points. I am happy with my own performance, but I want to work harder and contribute more for the team. We have three more games to go; we have to do better and avoid relegation.”
Gokulam Kerala however, is coming from a 1-1 draw against Indian Arrows that was played on the 16th of February in Kozhikode. Marcus Leric Jr Joseph scored the goal for Kerala in the 64th minute.
Out of the 16 matches, they’ve played, Gokulam has won twice, lost and drew seven games in the I-League 2018/19 season. They defeated Lajong by 3-1 in the first leg clash on 11th of November 2018. Gani Ahmmed, Antonio Timothy German and Rajesh S were the goal scorers for Gokulam Kerala while Phrangki Buam netted for Lajong.
Gokulam Kerala have touched down in Shillong after more than a year as the last time they played here was on 27th November 2017 and it was the hosts who emerged victorious with a 1-0 margin.
Prior to Friday’s game, Gokulam Kerala’s technical director Gift Raikhan said, “Gokulam has given me the charge, they believe in me and trust me and given responsibility with a big hope and I don’t want to give up on that hope. Expectations are very high from both the teams for the game. If we get the three points, we will gain more confidence.”
“Lajong played well in the last game and we hope both the teams will give their best. As a coach, I always prepare for a win and I am the one who will be responsible for everything here. It’s my job to bring up Gokulam”, he concluded.
