Thursday , March 28 2024

NEROCA host Aizawl FC in a I-League Northeast derby!

Former champions Aizawl FC will look to gain an advantage in the relegation dogfight as they visit Imphal on Sunday, January 27 for a NorthEast derby face-off against NEROCA FC at the Khuman Lampak Stadium.

The first game of the day in the 12th I-League is scheduled for an afternoon 2pm IST start.

The visitor’s new coach Stanley Rosario has instilled a new sense of purpose since coming in. The addition of Ugandan Richard Kassaga has also bolstered the team and the visitors on the basis of their last performance against leaders Chennai City FC will fancy their chances, especially given NEROCA go into the clash after back to back defeats.

Stanley said, “It’ll be an interesting as well as a challenging game for us. It’s the Northeastern derby. The tactical challenges will be there. I’m confident that my boys will perform and they’re looking to a positive result as well. NEROCA FC foreigners are very good players but we’ll play according to our strength.”

Aizawl FC scored thrice against Chennai City FC a week back, mounting an impressive late comeback with two quality injury-time goals, yet again, displaying potential going down 4-3 eventually to the table toppers.

NEROCA, under Spanish coach Manuel Fraile were not bad in their last game against Churchill Brothers away, leading for most parts of the game, before being felled by some Willis Plaza magic.

“To be honest, we play at home and we must get all three points. The preparation is going well. They also need three points so do we. The match is going to be a tough one for us. We have to enjoy the moment,” said Manuel at the pre-match press conference.

The hosts will look to quickly get their act together after having an impressive run in between if they want to harbour any hopes of a first title win.

They are on 21 points after 13 games and a victory on Sunday will keep them well and truly in the chasing pack.

Aizawl FC, on the other hand, will be fighting for pride as well as against the possibility of relegation, which their current 10th position with 10 points from 13 games, puts them in.

Their encounters have thus far not been high-scoring to say the least, with their last two fixtures, including the first leg this season, ending in goalless draws.

Given the context of Sunday’s clash though, one can easily bet against such a possibility.

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