Shillong, Apr 8: Boosted by an excellent 3-1 victory away at Jamshedpur FC reserves in their last Second Division League match, Langsning FC are aiming to continue that winning momentum in Kolkata tomorrow in a Group C clash against Mohammedan Sporting.
The fixture will kick-off at 3:15PM.
Langsning produced an excellent display in their first away game of the season in Jamshedpur on April 4, taking a three-goal lead by the 36th minute before conceding later on in the first half.
While Langsning benefitted from one own goal, two were produced by young Meghalaya talent Stephanson Pale, who made a sensational maiden appearance in the club’s starting XI in this competition.
Langsning currently have 7 points from four games (two wins, one draw and one defeat), the same number of points as TRAU FC of Manipur and one more than Mohammedan.
The Kolkata club, who are looking to make a return to the I-League after last having played in top flight football back in 2013-14, have a match in hand, however, and this means that a full three points tomorrow will be crucial for Langsning in their fight to qualify for the final round of the Second Division.
Mohammedan were victorious in both of their opening two games at home, but then were handed a heavy 4-1 defeat in Imphal on April 5 against TRAU. They will be looking to get their campaign back on track after that unwelcome loss and will count on home support to get them there.
Speaking a day before the game, Langsning coach Hering Shangpliang said, “It was a very good performance from the players against Jamshedpur and that has given them more confidence, but we also know the quality of opposition we have to face tomorrow and are preparing ourselves for the challenge.”
Some of the players the Shillong team will have to watch out for include one of Mohammedan’s foreign recruits – Fikru Teferra, who played his first match against TRAU. Fikru was famous in the first season of the Indian Super League for his scoring prowess at ATK and Langsning’s defenders and every other player have to be at the top of their game for the upcoming battle in Kolkata.
(Photo contributed by Langsning FC)
