GOA: Sporting Clube de Goa are slated to play their final home game of the Hero I-League when they clash with in-form Shillong Lajong at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday.
The Flaming Oranje have had a disappointing campaign this year after being touted as the dark horses of the season, one win in seven home games defines their campaign .
On the back of a 1-1 stalemate against Aizawl FC last round, Sporting Clube de Goa head into the tough fixture against the Reds. Alfred opened the scoring for the visitors but stand-in skipper, Mahomoud Al Amenah scored eight minutes later. The two sides played out a goal-less second half to share the spoils.
Mateus Costa spoke ahead of the game and sized up the challenge ahead of his side, “The draws have been haunting us throughout, we hope we can end the spell tomorrow. Shillong have been playing some fantastic football of late. It will be a challenge to contain them tomorrow,” Costa said.
Fast forward to Sunday and Sporting will again be without the services of the star striker, Odafa Okolie. The Goan side has looked toothless without the Nigerian and with a not-so-impressive performance of Efemena Charles, the coach will look forward to putting Victornio Fernandes at the upfront.
Marcus Mascarenhas will miss out for the Flaming Oranje because of a niggle. The rest of the squad is expected to be fit and ready for what could prove to be a tough task.
On the other hand, Shillong Lajong have managed to gain four points in two crucial games which includes a vital point versus Mohun Bagan. Uilliams opened the scoring and snatched a point from the Mariners' grasp. Speaking ahead of the game, Thangboi Singto spoke of Lajong’s ambitions, “Well I have always mentioned that Sporting has been a big challenge for Lajong, history speaks for itself. Now the way this league has progressed, we have 3 matches to do whatever we can and stay at the top.” Singto said.
The 41-year old coach has been aided by the resurgence in form of his young players. Senior players from his side like Gurung and Uilliams have taken responsibility in recent weeks and the latter will be entrusted with attacking responsibilities versus Sporting.
With vital points up for grabs, the two sides will go hammer and tongs against each other in a possible hard-fought game in the humid conditions. The game kicks off at 16:30 IST tomorrow and it'll be streamed live on I-League.Org.
