Kochi: In the 19th round I-League encounter Chirag United Kerala will take on Sporting Clube de Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi, on Sunday. Sporting Clube de Goa and Chirag United Kerala are two clubs that are at the two extremes.
If their recent forms are to be taken into consideration. The Goan are on a dream run in the I-League since last few rounds with a six match unbeaten streak, while their opponents from Kerala have now have lost four games on the trot.
Sporting are going into this game, following a 4-2 thrashing of Pune FC at Goa, thanks partly to a brace from their Nigerian midfielder Ogba Kalu Nnanna and largely to an all round performance from Ekendra Singh's boys.
While, Chirag United were down to nine men in their last round clash against Mohun Bagan and lost to them 3-1 despite putting up a good fight against them.
The absence of Captain and midfield general Ajayan K would be a huge set back for the Chirag, as he has to sit out due to injury. In his absence either Rehenesh TP or Sharath K are expected to be in the starting eleven.
Meanwhile, Sporting Clube, midfielder Adil Khan is expected to return to the squad after a lay off in the last match. He might now partner Ogba Kalu in the midfield with Dawson Fernandez and Sudanese striker James Moga heading the attack against the depleted Chirag line up.
Sporting clube stays at 27 points while Chirag have eleven points to their name.
The kick off is slated for 6:30 PM on Sunday.
By Indian Sports News