I-League: Sporting club de Goa take on Lajong FC in a crucial tie

Margao: Sporting Clube de Goa will take on Shillong Lajong FC in their crucial match of the Hero I-League played at Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, here.

With both sides having 15 points each from 13 matches a win is crucial as the winner will get some breathing space against the other bottom teams who are fighting to avoid relegation.

Sporting Clube de Goa who lost to Lajong are placed fifth on account to Head-to-Head count and every point is crucial from now on from their last three matches. Shillong Lajong are coming here with their confidence high as they bounced back after their defeat against Salgaocar here to beat Aizawl FC and hold title contenders Mohun Bagan to a 2-2 draw in their previous two matches.

While Sporting Clube de Goa's poor performance at home continued as they drew against Aizawl FC in their last match, they have not won a match from their last six outings and coach Mateus Costa is a worried man.

In the absence of their captain Odafe Okalie, the team looked rudderless against Aizawl as they failed to create chances. Nigerian striker Charles, who made his debut replacing Densil Theobald, failed to inspire his team upfront and it was left to midfielder Mahmoud Al Amanah to lead the attack and restore parity after they were down by Alfred Jaryan's goal in the first half.

Sporting's coach, Mateus Costa voiced his concern about his team failing to score which have resulted in drawing four matches and losing two matches from their last six matches they have played. "It's going to be a tough contest against the highlanders and our boys need to shrug off their lackluster performance they have showed against Aizawl and be more sharp in front of the goal to beat Lajong tomorrow," said Costa.

Lajong, who beat Sporting at home, have their confidence high after they drew against Mohan Bagan and coach Singto is hopeful that his unit will continue more effectively and win tomorrow which will help them to keep away from relegation.

"Good that goals are coming. We need to keep on scoring and not concede at the back. Every point is crucial for us now," said Singto.