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Aizawl FC are set to host Mumbai Kenkre FC in their I-League 2022-23 fixture at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Saturday, December 17 with kick-off slated for 2:30pm.
The hosts will head into the match on the back of a good run of form, having won 1-0 against NEROCA FC and playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw away to a strong Sreenidi Deccan side, where the Reds scored the equalizer in the 11th minute of second-half stoppage time. However, they will be without the services of their first-choice goalkeeper Vikram Lakhbir Singh, who was shown a red card against Sreenidi. Victory on Saturday would enable them to overtake Rajasthan United in the standings and move up to sixth place.
Mumbai Kenkre FC too enter the game with a lot of confidence, playing out three draws in succession against strong sides in their last three matches. After a 1-1 draw in Delhi against Rajasthan United, they equalized twice to force a 2-2 draw against Mohammedan Sporting in Kolkata in their previous game. Even though they are third from bottom on the points table, a win in their third straight away match could potentially see them climb up to seventh position.
The teams faced off twice last season, trading a 1-0 win apiece. Aizawl FC came out on top in the League Phase, while Kenkre FC won their meeting in the Relegation Phase.
At the pre-match press conference, Aizawl head coach Caetano Pinho felt that his side has a good chance to get a win. “In the last match, the players were excellent despite us having very little time to recover. Now, we are fresher and ready to face Mumbai Kenkre. No game is easy and they are a very good team, but we have a big chance to get all three points. I am happy with the attitude of the players — they are feeling positive, are intelligent, and adapting well. I just need to combine them into a cohesive unit as we move forward,” he said.
Forward R. Ramdinthara, who has a goal and three assists so far this season, said, “It’s my first time in the I-League and from what I have observed, the competition level is very high and I really like the way we play the game. I’m really happy to be a part of this team but I still think I can do more.”
Mumbai Kenkre FC head coach Akhil Kothari stated that his team is feeling buoyant and taken well to the chilly weather in the Mizo capital. He said, “The mood in the camp is positive. We came here a little early to adapt to the weather and having played in Delhi and Kolkata also helps. Our last game was a tough one but we managed to gain a point. Against Aizawl now, we want to put on a good show against a strong team and we are looking forward to the match. We aim to be competitive and will go all out for the win.”
Defender Papuia said, “We are facing a very good team that plays positive, possession football. But, we have our plans in place and will play as per them in order to fight for the three points.”
The match between Aizawl FC and Mumbai Kenkre FC will be broadcast live on Eurosport and Doordarshan Sports and streamed live on the Discovery Plus OTT platform.
