Trevor Morgan’s East Bengal will be determined to turn the tables around against a resolute Shillong Lajong side at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata, later this afternoon. Shillong Lajong had posted a 2-1 victory over the three-time National Football League champions in the first leg of the Federation Cup fixture a few days back.
Follow: East Bengal vs Shillong Lajong Live Score (2-2), Federation Cup 2016 India
The Kolkata-based football had an ordinary 2015-16 I-League season as it finished third in the domestic league table behind the eventual league champions, Bengaluru FC and its arch rival, Mohun Bagan. Although it secured the third position on the I-League table, East Bengal had only managed to secure 25 points at the end of the season, seven less than the champions, Bengaluru FC.
Shillong Lajong, on the other hand, had finished sixth in the I-League table and therefore, will be determined for a good show against the eight-time Federation Cup champions. However, a 4.30 PM kick-off in typically hot and humid Kolkata conditions wouldn't make things easier for Shillong Lajong.
Also read: Hero Federation Cup (India) 2016 Schedule, Complete Time Table, Today's Match Timings
During the pre-match press conference, Shillong Lajong head coach, Thangboi Singto admitted, “The 4:30 pm kick-off will be testing but as a team we have a mission and a plan. We should worry more about the opponent and focus on the game.”
“We need to continue to score goals and try our best not to concede. The boys have to stay strong against East Bengal. Our away record has not been up to the mark this year and I hope we improve it with our first away game of Fed Cup on Wednesday,” Thangboi Singto added.
However, East Bengal has a crucial away goal courtesy its South Korean outfielder, Do Dong-Hyun and therefore, will be starting the match as slight favourites over its counterpart, Shillong Lajong.
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East Bengal vs Shillong Lajong, Hero Federation Cup 2016: Live Streaming Details
Online Stream: Official I-League Website.
Date: 4 May 2016, Wednesday.
Time: 16:30 PM (IST).
Venue: Yuva Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata.