AGENCIES, AIZAWL: After upsetting the I-league champions Bengaluru FC in the last round, ‘underdogs’ Aizawl FC are all set to host Sporting Club de Goa in the first leg of their semi-final clash in the Hero Federation Cup 2016 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, here, on Tuesday, at 3 p.m.
The morale has reached a pinnacle in the Aizawl FC camp after they upset Bengaluru FC, defeating the champions 5-3 on aggregate and with the first leg of the Hero Federation Cup semi-finals commencing in their home ground, Aizawl FC would be looking for nothing but a win against Sporting Clube de Goa.
Meanwhile, Sporting Clube defeated Mumbai FC in the last round and would be hoping to get some away goal under their belt, which might prove vital for the return leg which is slated on May 15, in Goa.
Joel Sunday has been a wildcard for Aizawl FC this season and with the lanky forward in red-hot form, Aizawl FC would bank on his services for giving them an early lead which might prove to change the whole complexion of the match, given Sporting Clube’s bad run of form infront of goal.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Aizawl FC Head Coach Jahar Das informed, “It is a game and whoever takes their chances will progress into the final. We played well against Bengaluru FC in the last match and we will look to give a good account of ourselves against Sporting Clue too”
Sporting Clue’s Coach Matues Costa acknowledged the threat that Aizawl FC possess and claimed that the semi-final clash will be a litmus test for both sides.
“We have to put our best performance on Tuesday. We will have to give our cent percent if we have to get something from the match”
“It will be a test of credential for us as well as for Aizawl FC, who possess the necessary players to hurt our chances of progressing into the final,” Costa added.
When asked about the opponents Coach Costa said “We cannot take them lightly, we respect every team. On the given day any I-League team can upset another we have seen that before.”
When quizzed about his options upfront, Costa added heaps of praises for his striker Sumeet Passi.
“He is very young and shouldering such a responsibility show’s great character. He got his opportunity and right away proved himself. We hope he continues his form and do well for himself and the team.”
When quizzed about the fastest goal scored in the previous I-League encounter at Aizawl, Sporting Clube winger Nicholas Fernandes said, “It’s not about records; my aim currently is to score as many goals possible for my side and to take them forward.”
Match live on Ten 2.
