Aizawl FC to host Churchill Brothers in first home fixture of I-League

Defending I-League champions Aizawl FC are going to host Goan outfit Churchill Brothers in their first home fixture this season at their fortress RG Stadium here on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, on their way to clinching the title, Aizawl FC scored six goals and conceded only two goals against Churchill Brothers last season, collecting maximum points against the Goan side.

Aizawl's Portuguese coach Paul Menezes reiterated that they will try to retain their title and will fight for three points in every match.

Aizawl FC is the first football club from the Northeast to win the I-League title.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Menezes said, "We will play the way we played in the Mizoram Premier League. Sometimes we have to defend we cannot attack the opponents all the time."

He added, "Several key players have left us but I hope we can form a strong team this season. After collecting one point against East Bengal I expect three points against Churchill Brothers."

"Andrei is our focal point in attack and it is a good thing that he will be available against Churchill. Menezes added.

Aizawl, however, hadn't had a decent start to the season, having lost two of their opening matches against Shillong Lajong and Mohun Bagan.

Meanwhile, Goan team Churchill, coached by Ukranian coach Mykola Shevchenko, are yet to score their first goal this season while conceding seven goals.

However, Shevchenko, who has turned out for Churchill during his playing day, is optimistic that his team will gain the much-needed confidence against Aizawl FC.

Shevchenko said, "We have lost two straight matches and I hope we can develop and change as a team tomorrow. We came with a new mindset hoping to regain our confidence. We have travelled a lot these days and this makes it harder for the player's recovery but injuries are part and parcel of the game."

Churchill will want to leave Aizawl with flying colours as three points against Aizawl FC will lift them above the relegation zone. However, Aizawl garnered 25 points form a possible 27 points last season at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.