AIZAWL EYE ONE for the underdogs
Shillong, April 30: Aizawl FC will come out all guns blazing when they face Shillong Lajong in their bid to become the first team from the North-East to win the coveted I-League football title.
A draw in the NorthEast derby will clinch it for Khalid Jamil's men, who have had a wonderful tournament and are likely to finish on 37 points.
But the triumph is not just about a football club but about the socio-political impact that it will have on Indian football. From being providers to clubs, the team from North East have now carved out a niche for themselves.
A host of local players, two unheralded Mumbai boys -- Jayesh Rane and Ashutosh Mehta along with Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Al Amna formed an interesting mix of players through their dream season.
Jamil accepted that there will be pressure on his side going into the make or break encounter but the boys have to give their 100 per cent under any circumstances.
The news of around 2000 Aizawl fans travelling to Shillong for the NE derby has added extra spice to the tie and on Sunday all roads are certain to lead to the JN Stadium Shillong.
While Aizawl will miss out on the services of Ashutosh Mehta and Alfred Jaryan, both of whom are suspended after receiving four yellow cards, Lajong have an allfit squad for Sunday.
BAGAN UP AGAINST CHENNAI
Kolkata: With their title hopes out of their hands, second-placed Mohun Bagan will look to post an all out win over Chennai City FC in their last outing while hoping that Aizawl FC face defeat against Shillong.
Should they lose and Bagan win, they will be eyeing to win a second ILeague title in three seasons.
Mohun Bagan have a few injury concerns in Subashish Bose and Pronay Halder but Raynier Fernandes and Azharuddin Mallick have returned to full fitness.
Coming to their rivals, the debutants Chennai, have won in just one away match this season and to make matters worse they are here after a 1-6 drubbing at Churchill Brothers.
The visitors will miss their Nigerian defender Aniyiche Echezona who was red carded in their last outing.
In the days other fixture, seventh placed DSK Shivajians, fresh off a 7-0 loss to Bengaluru FC, will face bottom club Minerva Punjab FC at the Balewadi Stadium.