Salgaocar FC will be hosting Shillong Lajong FC in an I-League match at the Tilak Maidan in Goa on Friday. The match will be telecasted live on Ten Action at 18.00 IST.
The Goan outfit defeated Mohammedan Sporting in their previous round while the Shillong side held United SC to a 2-2 draw in Kolkata.
Lajong secured an emphatic 4-0 win over Salgaocar during the Federation Cup group stage in January and prior to that, the Reds beat the Goans by 2-1 during their last I-League encounter in December held in Shillong.
This match will prove to be crucial as both teams have earned 24 points each from 16 games but the Reds are positioned fourth in the table whilst Salgaocar are fifth only on head to head basis. It will be a must win game for both teams to stay in the “Top 5” as teams like Dempo and East Bengal are finding their form and climbing up the table.
In form Salgaocar striker Darryl Duffy, who scored the only goal for his team during their loss to Lajong last December, will be the man to watch as he seeks to add to his tally of eight goals in the league so far. On the other hand, Lajong striker Cornell Glen who has been in form in most away games, will also look to add to his tally of eight goals and help his team secure a crucial away win. Reds midfielder, Taisuke Matsugae is most likely to start the game tomorrow coming back from a one match suspension.
Coach Thangboi Singto said, “It will be a tough match against an improved Salgaocar side. It is a fight for the fourth position.”
“The inclusion of Dudu has made them stronger since we last met them.”
“We made a strong comeback against United SC in Kolkata and credit goes to the players. They have been working extremely hard and am very happy with their performance.”
“We have to stay together and united and play as a team to beat Salgaocar”, he concluded.