I-League Round 18: United Sports Club vs Shillong Lajong FC

UNITED SPORTS CLUB will host SHILLONG LAJONG FC at the Kalyani Stadium on Sunday at 2:30 PM, marking the Reds’ first match since the I-League break.

Shillong Lajong was originally scheduled to face Mohammedan Sporting Club on 16th February, but the fixture was postponed to a later date, yet to be confirmed by the AIFF. Determined to secure their first win post-break, Lajong will go all out in tomorrow’s clash. Their last I-League outing was on 21st December, when they registered a 2-1 victory over Dempo SC.

Although the Reds did not qualify for the semi-finals of the Federation Cup, they put up an impressive performance, suffering just one defeat in their three group-stage matches. Heading into this fixture in solid form, Shillong Lajong has won three and lost two of their last five games. Meanwhile, United SC has struggled, managing only one victory, one draw, and three defeats in their last five matches.

United SC’s previous game ended in a 1-1 draw against Mumbai FC after conceding a last-minute goal from Nicholas Rodrigues. Given United’s recent struggles and the departure of their key striker Ranti Martins to Rangdajied United, Thangboi Singto’s men will view this as the perfect opportunity to capitalise on their opponents’ poor form.

Lajong, however, will be without Taisuke Matsugae and Milan Singh, both sidelined due to injury. On a positive note, Uilliams is expected to return after months of absence, and the team may feature their sole signing from the second transfer window, prolific Assamese striker Durga Boro.

Shillong Lajong FC coach Thangboi Singto said, “We need a strong and positive start after the break, and securing three points will be crucial.”

He added, “United play a good brand of football with experienced players. It will be a tough match, but we must perform as a team to win. The absence of Taisuke and Milan is a setback, but this provides an opportunity for others to step up and prove themselves.”

With Lajong in fine form and United SC aiming to improve their position in the I-League table, tomorrow’s encounter promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle.

 

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