NorthEast United face militant threats prior to first home match in Guwahati

This stadium has been shortlisted for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup

Ceaser Farias’ North East side, who are already suffering from a host of injuries, are expected to face more trouble at home with militants threatening to disrupt all their matches to be held at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.

Assam police have tightened their security in and around the venue, which is set to host multiple matches.

Guwahati city police Commissioner Mukesh Agarwal said that there had been intelligence inputs about possible attempts by some militant groups to disrupt ISL matches which, he said, would be held under tight security in the city.

He said that they are taking the threats very seriously with such a high profile event in the city. Police and security forces have been working round the clock to hold the matches without any hitch in the state capital.

Multi-layer security arrangement would be put in place along with additional forces in the stadium during the game. Guwahati will host seven ISL matches on October 15, 20 and 23, November 15, 20 and 28 and on December 2.

Meanwhile, the John Abraham owned North East franchise team’s performance has been dismal so far. Without a point from their first two matches, Farias faces a steep task with important players such as Miguel Garcia in Portugal missing. Garcia is recuperating from an injury along with Simao and midfielder Kondwani Mtonga, the last of whom is yet to arrive in India after the pre-season.

The coach has to find necessary replacements, but with the team’s core players unavailable he has no clue about how to replace them with available resources. Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes, better known as Silas, remains the only survivor of the core players currently available for selection and he will have to take more responsibility in their next match against FC Goa today.

The return of Aiborlang Khongjee and Saytasen Singh from national team duty will be a major boost for the side from North East.

On the other hand, their opponents FC Goa have their own set of worries with Captain Lucio being ruled out for an indefinite period along with midfielder Jofre who is doubtful to start today’s match. It will be a very difficult task for them to cope up with the conditions for the away fixture. Last match’s 4-0 loss has also affected the team’s confidence.