Lajong to rely on counter attacks
Having raised eyebrows and expectations with a phenomenal run so far, the onus now is on Lajong FC to prove their worth against an all-star Churchill Brothers in the first semi-final of the Hero Honda 31st Federation Cup, reports Somshuvra Laha.
Having raised eyebrows and expectations with a phenomenal run so far, the onus now is on Lajong FC to prove their worth against an all-star Churchill Brothers in the first semi-final of the Hero Honda 31st Federation Cup.
Underdogs Lajong FC know they have to raise their game to match Churchill Brothers who are gunning for their third consecutive title this season.
This is also the second time this season that an abundance of players from the Northeast will be on show. Not just the Shillong-based Lajong FC, all of whose players barring the imports are from the Northeast, Churchill Brothers too have six players from that region.
The teams last met in the IFA Shield group stages in August where Churchill Brothers won 2-0.
With Ogba Kalu operating in central midfield, Khanthang Paite and Resangmi Vashum on either sides of the midfield and the prolific Okolie Odafa leading the frontline, the current I-League champions look invincible. Perreira said barring the Goa League, Churchill Brothers have been unbeaten for 26 matches this season (they have though lost four matches in the Goa League).
But Lajong FC defender Daniel Bidemi has other ideas. “Against a big team like Churchill Brothers, you have to be clever. The ideal way would be capitalise on the mistakes they make,” the Nigerian said.
With a backline anchored by India defender Gourmangi Singh, Churchill Brothers are yet to concede a goal in this tournament.
But the I-League debutants, Lajong FC, have conceded four while scoring five, one less than their counterparts, in the group league.
Lajong FC’s last group league encounter, against Pune FC, had indications of them tending to fall apart at times. With James Gbilee and skipper Aibor Khongjee still battling groin nightmares, the team has been on the edge. While Gbilee claims to be fit, Aibor was absent from Tuesday’s practice. If he doesn’t make it, Boithang Haokip will return but as a left-back.
Kirshan Lynshing should man the left side of the midfield. On the right, Niwano Gatpoh, after a forgettable match against Pune FC, would
hope to get into rhythm and supply the crosses to forwards Anil Gurung and Seikhohau Tuboi.
Lajong FC coach Stanly Rozario’s message is simple: “Make your defence airtight and go for the fast counterattacks.” Rozario is banking on the surprise factor, and there might well be one on Wednesday.
I have to perform, says Ogba Kalu
Okolie Odafa and Ogba Kalu are two contrasting characters. While Odafa — highest scorer in the previous I-League — keeps fooling around with teammates after practice, often shaking a leg to some techno, Kalu is a picture of concentration.
Call them rainmakers of Churchill Brothers or anything else, these two Nigerians have kept the other teams on tenterhooks with their skills.
Often referred to as the playmaker in the team, Kalu takes to his job like a true professional.
“I have been paid to contribute to my team’s success. Why else would any team hire foreigners? I have been assigned a role to play and it’s my responsibility to see that it is carried through,” said Kalu.
“This is my third year in India and the day I feel that my time is over, I will pack my bags and leave for another country,” the 23-year-old added.