I-League: Lajong face Minerva test (Preview)

After making a giant move to the top of the Hero I-League table, Minerva Punjab FC will aim to continue their good work against Shillong Lajong at the Nehru Stadium here on Sunday

Fresh from their 1-0 win against Indian Arrows FC, fourth-placed Lajong will be heading into the match high on confidence against the Punjab-based side which humbled Mohun Bagan in Kolkata recently.

Lajong coach Bobby Nongbet said that they will be heading into the game with the intention of winning the match to amass another three points.

"We have come up with a good game plan for tomorrow's match, you will have to see that tomorrow. But one thing that we need to improve on is goal scoring," said Nongbet.

On being asked whether tomorrow's game will be a close one or not, Nongbet replied, "I think it will be difficult for Minerva as well. This is not Punjab and they will have to adjust to the cold climate here in Shillong which our players are already accustomed to.

"It will be a good advantage for us and our win against Arrows is still fresh in our minds so we are fairly confident about tomorrow," he further added.

Minerva Punjab FC coach Wangkhem Khogen Singh said that the team is determined to win against Lajong and being placed at the top of the table will not make them complacent at any point in time.

On being asked about the challenge Minerva would face, Khogen replied, "I don't think the climate will be a factor but the players will need to adjust to the cold".

Minerva goalkeeper Rakshit Dagar said, "It's always difficult going up against a home side and it will not be an easy task against Lajong or any other team for that matter. So, we have to stay compact and we have to fight as we had shown in the game against Mohun Bagan.

"We can't take any team lightly because I don't think that there is much difference between us and Lajong. Both are very young teams and both have more or less the same philosophy."

--IANS

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