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Fourth-placed Mohammedan Sporting and eighth-placed Aizawl FC battle it out for crucial points at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata tomorrow, February 18.
The kick-off is slated for 2pm IST and the match will be broadcasted on the 1Sports channel, whilst being streamed live on the 1Sports Facebook page.
Mohammedan Sporting were left shell-shocked after they lost to a defiant Indian Arrows 0-1 in the last match week. However, the Black Panthers remain in the fourth position with 10 points from seven matches, four points from the top. With a few games remaining in the first stage, Jose Hevia’s side cannot afford the fall further behind in the title race when they meet their former coach Yan Law.
Speaking at the virtual pre-match press conference, Mohammedan Sporting head coach Jose Hevia said, “We had the same problem, we have had before — lack of efficiency in front of goal. We had 24 shots, but we didn’t score. Yes, the final result against Arrows was not in our favour. But, I believe the performance of the team was good, especially the way the players reacted to conceding the goal.”
“We need to move forward, learning from our weaknesses. The defeat to Indian Arrows was an eyeopener. It only makes getting a victory over Aizawl FC all more important. The players are stronger than before. They are eagerly waiting for the match against Aizawl FC.”
“Aizawl FC are a top team, and I am expecting a top clash against them. Obviously, they would want to beat us, just like we are preparing to beat them. We are going to go out with the best attitude and give our 100 percent to win this match,” he added.
Goalkeeper Priyant Singh, who was present alongside his manager said, “Aizawl FC are a strong opponent to play against, who keep creating chances to score. We need to be wary of them. It is a long season, we need to learn from the last game and keep moving forward. We are aiming for nothing short of three points against them.”
Aizawl FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Sudeva Delhi FC, their third of the season, in their last match. The draw, while keeping them at eighth place on the table, still gives the People’s Club a chance to hope for a top-six finish, and fight for the title. Yan Law’s side, however, cannot drop a single point in the remaining of the games, starting with Mohammedan Sporting.
Speaking at the virtual pre-match press conference, head coach Yan Law said, “The results have not gone in our way. But the performance of the players has been fantastic. We need to be sharper in front of the goal, and we are working on it. The rest, I believe, is all fine. I am very confident, going into this next game against Mohammedan Sporting.”
Law, who had managed the Black Panthers for a brief stint in 2020, shared his thoughts on the opponents. He said, “Mohammedan Sporting are a fantastic team, a club filled with legacy. They have got brilliant players. On paper, they might have the best team, but football is played on grass. And, we are going to show them what we are capable of!”
Forward Brandon Vanlalremdika said, “The players have had high morale, despite not getting the three points against Sudeva. We are not discouraged. We are still fighting for much more than just survival in the league. I hope things take a turn in our favour soon.”
