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The opening day of the Super Cup qualifiers proved to be an absolute cliffhanger on Monday night when NEROCA FC edged Rajasthan United FC in the penalty shootout of the playoff tie at the Payyanad Stadium.
On Wednesday, April 5, two more games in the qualifiers are on the cards – local favourites Gokulam Kerala FC will take on Kolkata’s famed Mohammedan Sporting at 8.30pm after NEROCA play Sreenidi Deccan FC in the day’s first match at 5pm to secure a place in the group stage of the knock-out tournament.
The Gokulam Kerala – Mohammedan Sporting clash is set to be an interesting one since both will be looking to fill the vacant slot in Group C of the Super Cup comprising ATK Mohun Bagan, FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC.
Former two-time I-League champions Gokulam Kerala finished the I-League campaign this season in the third position and the Black Panthers ended their season in seventh place. The two teams met each other twice in the league with both winning once each.
Mohammedan Sporting head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, a former international himself, said: “Gokulam (Kerala) are playing at their home, but we are well prepared for the challenge. When we have the objective to achieve qualification in the AFC Cup, it is a big motivation for the club and players.”
Gokulam Kerala FC coach, Francesc Bonet, was full of praise for the opponents, hailing the Kolkata giants as “one of the best teams in the league”. He stressed the importance of the Super Cup saying, “AFC Cup qualification is at stake and since all the ISL teams are participating here, it will be a tough competition. Playing in front of a passionate crowd will help us to achieve good results.
“Going to the other match, Sreenidi Deccan FC had a particularly memorable I-League campaign where they finished in second place. Following the successful season, the Hyderabad-based franchise will be looking to venture into the Super Cup with a win on Wednesday against NEROCA FC. Speaking about his team’s preparations, Head Coach Carlos Vaz Pinto said, “The break after the I-League season has given us time to recover and regroup. So, the players are well rested and are looking forward to the Super Cup.”
NEROCA FC head coach Gyan Moyon on the other hand, sounded optimistic after their win over Rajasthan United and focused on the positives. “Yes, the win against Rajasthan has definitely boosted our confidence and spirits.”
He went on to conclude with: “Collective effort and the Never-Give-Up spirit which my boys showed yesterday was amazing and I am looking forward to it in tomorrow’s match again.”
