I-League: Aizawl to host Neroca in North eastern Derby (Preview)

After playing a tiring goalless draw in their last Hero I-League match against East Bengal, reigning champions Aizawl FC will hope to get back to their winning ways when they host Neroca FC for the second Northeast derby of the season at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here on Saturday.

I-League debutants Neroca have coped well in their maiden season as they have lost only one out of their nine matches and going into the derby they will be brimming with confidence as they are coming from an outright win against Indian Arrows.

However, Neroca coach Gift Raikhan is well aware of the threats possessed by the home side.

"First of all it's not a derby for me but more of a homecoming for me as I have nurtured many Mizo boys earlier in my career and did my B-License here in Aizawl."

"Every match is difficult and I cannot predict the result. All I can guarantee is we will give our absolute best. Aizawl FC is a very good team and it will be a tough match," Raikhan said.

"It's been a hectic schedule for us and we cannot properly train in the away matches due to lack of facilities. Some fans are coming from Imphal and I hope it will be an exciting match," the youngest coach in the I-League added.

David Biakzara, Neroca midfielder was excited to face a Mizo club in the country's top-tier league. The Mizo midfielder said, "Aizawl will be tough opponents and it won't be an easy match. Being a Mizo boy I am very excited to face Aizawl FC and my friends and family will be here to support me."

Aizawl FC can't afford to lose any more points at home as away fixtures are coming thick and fast.

The Mizoram-based side won't be getting the services from the Afghan defender Masih Saighani but head coach Paulo Menezes said that won't deviate him from eyeing all three points on Saturday.

Portuguese coach Menezes said: "We always fight for three points in every match and we will do the same tomorrow. We respect the opponents and we will need to play tough. The most important thing is to win three points,"

Nigerian defender Kareem Omolaja Nurain has started every I-League match this season for the Reds and his role will be crucial in their quest to halt Neroca's unbeaten run in the absence of Saighani.

Kareem who played for Minerva Punjab FC last season stated that the fans are a crucial factor in the way the team plays their football.

"I am very happy to play for Aizawl FC. We are happy to see the fans supporting us and it is easier to perform well with the backing of the fans. Football is a team sport and the fans make it easier to play," he said.

--IANS

sam/dg