Aizawl FC eye win against Northeastern rivals Neroca FC

Neroca FC will eye their maiden victory in the I-League when they lock horns with former champions Aizawl FC in the Northeastern derby at home on Friday.

Neroca travelled to Kozhikode on the opening day but were handed a 1-2 loss by Gokulam Kerala.

Aizawl FC, on the other hand, faced Mohun Bagan on the opening day of the season and earned a point through a spirited display against the Kolkata outfit, as they held them to a goalless draw.

Both sides clash in a bid to register their first win of the season.

Aizawl FC were in action in the Mizoram Premier League on Tuesday and as a result will have a few tired legs in their squad.

"I am pleased with the performance of my players against Mohun Bagan and I wanted to get something out of the match, and we earned one important point," Aizawl FC head coach, Stanley Rozario said.

Weighing in on their opponent, he added, "It's a very tight schedule and I don't want my players to get any injuries. NEROCA are a good team and have a full squad with foreigners and will come strongly against us."
Reflecting on their opening day loss to Gokulam Kerala, Neroca head coach, Gift Raikhan said, "It was a very difficult journey for us. It was the first match of the season. We travelled 3500 kilometres away from home."