I-League: Sporting takes on Lajong in a crucial tie

With both sides having 15 points each from 13 matches, a win is of extreme importance as the winner will get some breathing space against the other bottom teams who are fighting to avoid relegation.

Shillong Lajong players celebrate a goal in front of their fans.

Sporting Clube de Goa will take on Shillong Lajong FC in a crucial match in the I-League, tomorrow, at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.

With both sides having 15 points each from 13 matches, a win is of extreme importance as the winner will get some breathing space against the other bottom teams who are fighting to avoid relegation.

Sporting Clube de Goa, which lost to Lajong previously, is placed fifth on account to Head-to-Head count and every point will be of great importance for the Goan side which will be keen on consolidating its position in India’s premier football league.

Shillong Lajong is coming here with its confidence high after a victory against North East rival Aizawl FC and a draw against title contender Mohun Bagan.

Sporting Clube de Goa’s poor performance at home has been a cause of concern for coach Mateus Costa. The team has not won a match from its last six outings at Goa.

In the absence of its captain Odafe Okalie, the team looked rudderless against Aizawl as it failed to create chances.

Nigerian striker Charles, who made his debut replacing Densil Theobald, failed to inspire his team upfront and it was left to midfielder Mahmoud Al Amanah to lead the attack and restore parity after it was down by Alfred Jaryan’s goal in the first half.

Sporting’s coach, Mateus Costa voiced his concern about his team failing to score which has resulted in drawing four matches and losing two matches from its last six matches it has played.

“It’s going to be a tough contest against the highlanders and our boys need to shrug off their lacklustre performance they have showed against Aizawl and be more sharp in front of the goal to beat Lajong tomorrow,” said Costa.

Lajong, which beat Sporting at home, have its confidence high after it drew against Mohan Bagan and coach Singto is hopeful that his unit will continue more effectively and win tomorrow which will help the team to stay away from relegation.

“Good that goals are coming. We need to keep on scoring and not concede at the back. Every point is crucial for us now,” said Singto.