I-League Media Report

SHILLONG: A victory for Sporting Clube de Goa on Wednesday would signal one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Hero I-League history, but to do so they will have to beat a rejuvenated Shillong Lajong FC at the latter’s home turf.

After going winless in the first 13 matches of the season, the Goans have bounced back in spectacular fashion, being unbeaten in their last six games. They most recently took down title contenders Mohun Bagan 2-1 at home, courtesy a brace from former Mariners’ striker Odafa Okolie, who will be a player that Lajong has to be prepared for.

Despite their recent run of positive performances, Sporting are not out of the relegation woods yet; with 17 points from as many outings, they are in 10th position, squeezed in the middle between fellow Goan sides Dempo in ninth and Salgaocar at the bottom. Both of the other teams also have 17 points, but are separated by their head-to-head record and goal difference.

A win on Wednesday will give the Flaiming Oranje a good shot at saving themselves from the danger of relegation and besides Odafa, they will also be relying on Anthony Wolfe and Miguel Garcia to put in a good performance on the pitch.

SLFC, meanwhile, also have momentum behind them after coming back from a goal down to beat Bharat FC 3-1 on Sunday. Although coach Thangboi Singto admitted that the first half performance was not up to scratch, he will be hoping that his boys can replicate their second half turnaround from the first whistle against Sporting.

The Reds are on an unbeaten streak of their own, securing points in each of their last three games. The win on Sunday had a lot to do with the stellar performance of Penn Orji, Uilliams Souza Silva and hat-trick man Cornell Glen and the pressure to deliver will once again lie mainly on their shoulders, though an alert performance from the defence will also be required when going up against the likes of Odafa and company.

Singto informed on Tuesday that Robin Gurung, who has been out injured for a while now, may get a look-in; he was in the squad in the last game but stayed on the bench. Aiborlang Khongjee is still out, while Seiminlen Doungel is doubtful. The visitors, by contrast, have no injury worries to deal with, though having played on Saturday in Goa and then flying to Shillong for another fixture within the space of a few days may prove to have some impact on performance.

Kick-off: 20-05-2015 @ 4:30 PM
 

Hashtag: #SLFCvSCG