A crucial match awaits both sides at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong tomorrow when Shillong Lajong FC play hosts to Royal Wahingdoh FC in the 5th round of the U-19 I-League North-East Zone Qualifiers.
A win or a draw for the Junior Reds will boost their chances of securing a place in the final round of the nationwide Under-19 I-League tournament. The boys have remained undefeated so far and are the favourites to advance to the final round.
Royal Wahingdoh are coming into this match following a 2-0 victory over Rangdajied United FC while Shillong Lajong defeated Green Valley SC 4-0 last week.
Lajong will miss the services of Captain Redeem Tlang who is out due to a suspension while their opponents will have the full squad available to Coach Bobby Nongbet.
Reds coach Alison Kharsyntiew said, “The team will be missing their Captain tomorrow but am looking forward to see the boys giving their best against Wahingdoh.”
“We know that three points are crucial and a win will put us in a better position to qualify for the final round. But Wahingdoh is a strong team and our boys should give their best and not take things lightly.”
The last time these two teams met, the Junior Reds registered a 1-0 over their local rivals. Even though Lajong FC is currently at the top of the table with 12 points, Wahingdoh is only three points behind them and getting all three points tomorrow will be their target to confirm their passage to the final round.