Shillong Lajong FC have an edge coming into tomorrow’s game with the weather at its worst. Having hit 0 degrees on Tuesday the chilly conditions have already hit Dempo SC hard. Dempo Assistant Coach Maurice Afonso said, “The chilly weather has brought down a few of our players with cold”.
Lajong also have their fair share of woes with the most recent being the 5-1 drubbing in Goa against title contenders Sporting Club De Goa. Speaking on the matter in a pre match press conference Lajong coach Thangboi Singto said, “They played well in the 2nd half scoring 4 goals and we didn’t play badly. They found their goals only on a few defensive mistakes”. Thangboi added that Dempo will be the “4th Goan side we will face, and we have got 6 points already and will look to get 9 out of a possible 12”. Thangboi also said that he “admires” Dempo’s brand of football and tomorrow will be a tough game for The Reds.
Dempo having triumphed in Kolkata over a weak Mohun Bagan side will come into the game tomorrow with defenders Samir Naik and Honda out with injuries including Brazilian set piece architect, Beto. Lajong on the other hand will still be without striker Uilliams Souza Silva (hairline fracture heel) and Cornell Glen will also miss the game due to suspension after picking up four yellows this season so far. Meanwhile the condition of Lajong captain Minchol Son will also have to be assessed as he is not a hundred percent fit.
Dempo captain Clifford Miranda was also present at the press conference and said that he would like his team to “finish on a high going into the break”. He also added that they were a “young team under a lot of transition” and a win would boost their confidence.
Shillong Lajong FC have maintained a good run at home having been unbeaten in 6 consecutive I-League games and they are 4th in the table with 20 points from 14 games. Dempo SC however are 9th in the position having collected 16 points from 14 games. (SP News)
