Salgaocar-Lajong clash today
HERALD SPORTS REPORTER
MAPUSA, MAY 27
The curtain comes down on this season’s I-League on Friday with an exciting match between Salgaocar Sports Club and Lajong Football Club, Shillong at Duler stadium, Mapusa, at 3.30 p.m.
Salgaocar are safe from relegation but will be going out to try and improve their standings in the League. Salgaocar will be missing the services of skipper Luciano Sabroso and goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey who will be replaced by Amit Nandi and Dawson Fernandes.
Lajong are still stuck in the relegation battle and it is a must win match for coach Stanley Rosario’s men. Lajong’s foreign import, James Jiblee is suspended after collecting two yellow cards in the previous matches which will be a big blow to Lajong ‘s ambitions. Meanwhile, young striker Roming Thanga who has been knocking on the doors of India U-23 team is likely to make his debut.
Last year, Rosario was in charge of Salgaocar and guided them back into the I-League after winning the Second Division comfortably. This time around he finds himself having to defeat his former club in order to avoid the drop.
The Lajong team completed a training session at Duler on Thursday and are in high spirits. Speaking to Herald, Stanley said: “This is a do-or-die match for us. My boys have notched up good results in the Federation Cup and this time around we need to remain focused. I am confident we will collect three points tomorrow,” signed off Rosario.
