AIZAWL: Aizawl FC and Kingfisher East Bengal are slated to clash their swords for the second time in the Hero I-League on Saturday. Having lost the first leg by 0-2 in the first leg at the Barasat Stadium, Aizawl FC will certainly look to square it off at their home pitch on tomorrow.

Kingfisher East Bengal, third in the Hero I-League table now, have acquired 17 points from 10 matches while Aizawl FC have garnered 9 precious points from 10 matches. Kingfisher East Bengal will look to make a winning comeback tomorrow after two successive losses on the road against Salgaocar FC and DSK Shivajians. In their last Hero I-League fixture, Aizawl FC have snatched a hard-earned point against Mumbai FC at the Cooperage Ground.

In the pre-match press conference held today at Aizawl, Aizawl FC coach Jahar Das sounded positive, “We think we can stop the attackers tomorrow. We were able to stop Bengaluru FC in our home match against them, remember, they are currently second in the table.” He further added, “We will try to attack and earn ourselves three points.”

Aizawl FC defender Lalchullova Pautu also appeared at the press conference. He stated, “It will be difficult to try to defend our net from the likes of Ranti Martins who is agile and adept with his attacking moves. But I will do what I can stop his efforts at the net.”

Meanwhile, Kingfisher East Bengal are desperate for a win as coach Biswajit Bhattacharya opined, “We have good players and they will play to their strength tomorrow.” He didn’t mince his words to praise Aizawl FC’s valiant performance in the first leg, “Aizawl FC played very well in Kolkata. We respect them as a team. They have lots of good players and we are very serious about the match tomorrow.”

Mizo player Robert Lalthlamuana categorically conveyed the importance of tomorrow’s match, “Tomorrow’s match is significant as it could determine whether we have a chance to be the champions at the end of the season.” It is an eagerly awaited encounter as the home-grown boys Shylo Malsawmtluanga and Robert Lalthlamuana are integral parts of the away team.

The match will kick off at 2.30pm at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl.