Football Fans Manipur

IMPHAL, December 19: ESU Wangkhei drubbed LSC Churachandpur by 5-1 goals in a match of the ongoing 57th Sir Churachand Singh, KCSI, CBE, Memorial Football Tournament 2013 played at Mapal Kangjeibung, here today.

K. Victor of ESU scored the first goal of the match in the 22nd minute, Later on, he added another goal in the 32nd minute. Few minutes later, team mates Worngahan and Y. Anilkumar fetched one goal each in the 53rd and 57th minute of the match. Thangoi Chiru also contributed 2 match winning goal in the 57th and extra time of 2nd minute of the match.

Darmawi of LSC scored the lone goal of his team in the 11th minute of the match. In another match,  MSYC Churachandpur lost to NACO Nambul Mapal by 8-3 goals.Out of the 8 goals of NACO, K. Newton lone contributed 5, which came in the 16th, 25th, 45th 61st and another goal in extra time of 2nd minute respectively. The remaining three goals were scored by N. Jasobanta, Milankumar and M. Rabichandra in the 34th, 35 and 37th minute of the match.

Lhunminlen of MSYC found the net of the opponent team in the 11th minute. Later, it was followed by team mates Jessy and Ginmang in the 57th and extra time of 2nd minute. UUFC Ukhrul and DM Rao Awang Sekmai are scheduled to play at 1.30 pm tomorrow.

New Delhi, December 6: "I’m extremely thankful to the FIFA Executive Committee for keeping their faith on us and granting India the right to host the 2017 U-17 World Cup. FIFA has been extremely supportive of All India Football Federation’s ambitions and taking Indian Football to the World level. Both, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and FIFA Secretary General, Mr. Jerome Valcke have always been huge supporters of Indian Football.

I would also like to thank the Government of India and the Ministry of Sports for giving us all the necessary guarantees without which we wouldn’t have been able to bid for the U-17 World Cup.

However, the real challenge begins now. Together with all stakeholders we need to host it in the best possible manner and set an example for all to follow. At the same time, we understand the need to be competitive in the Tournament.

The Academies and Grassroot Project set up by AIFF has already made an impact and with the guidance of our Technical Team headed by Technical Director Mr. Robert Baan, we would be embarking on a detailed plan to build a competitive U-17 Indian National Team.

For a Country like India, the priority stays to make a mark on the World stage and the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosting rights could not have come at a better time. The very fact that our boys will be getting a chance to rub shoulders with the best of the World is amazing. The overall infrastructure of the Country will also be improved to be at par with the International standards which will benefit Indian Football immensely.

Hosting a Tournament of such stature will also help galvanise the face of Indian Football among the masses and youth of India. At the moment, Football is popular in certain pockets in India. With the U-17 World Cup taking place, the popularity will surely grow and the mission of making Football a pan-India sport will be realised."

AIFF Media Team
New Delhi, December 6: It’s official, India will host the 2017 U-17 World Cup! The decision was taken at the FIFA Executive Committee Meeting which was held on December 4 and 5, 2013 at Sauipe Fun Hotel, Salvador de Bahia, Brasil.

“This is historic. This is what we have been waiting for. I need to thank the FIFA Executive Committee for keeping their trust on us and granting India the rights to host the 2017 U-17 World Cup,” Mr. Paful Patel, President, All India Football Federation, told www.the-aiff.com. “I am also grateful to the Government of India for their support and giving us the necessary guarantees which made it possible for India to bid for the 2017 World Cup.”

“Hosting a Tournament of such a stature will also help galvanise the face of Indian Football among the masses and youth of the Country. At the moment, Football is popular in certain pockets in India. With the U-17 World Cup taking place, I strongly believe that the popularity will swell overnight and the mission of making Football a pan-India sport will be realised,” Mr. Patel stated.

“I cannot sum it up in words what this means to Indian Football,” an elated All India Football Federation General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das said.

“The entire Country has been waiting with bated breath for the final decision to be taken. I would like to thank our President Mr. Praful Patel for bringing the U-17 World Cup to India. Without him we wouldn’t have got the clearances from the Government of India and the hosting rights. I’m extremely grateful to FIFA for their support and encouragement,” Mr. Das added.

The Tournament in which 24 Teams would be taking part will be held in six venues which are to be selected from eight prospective venues -- New Delhi, Goa, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi and Guwahati.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup kicked-off in 1985, the first edition being hosted by China. It began as a Competition for Players under the age of 16 with the age limit raised to 17 from 1991 onwards.

The last edition of the Tournament was hosted by the United Arab Emirates which was eventually won by Nigeria U-17 when they defeated Mexico U-17, 3-0 in the Final. The next edition is slated to be hosted in 2015 in Chile.

Since its inception in China, 2002 FIFA World Cup hosts Japan, and South Korea and United Arab Emirates are the other three Asian Countries to have hosted the U-17 World Cup so far. However, Saudi Arabia are the only Asian Country to have won it, back in 1989.

By Debayan Mukherjee, AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI, November 22: There were European Champions Bayern Munich, English Premier League leaders Arsenal and heavyweights Chelsea, most accomplished Club in Europe Real Madrid… and Airtel I-League Clubs Pune FC and Bengaluru FC.

The occasion was the SAP Forum for Sports and Entertainment organised to increase awareness of SAP’s solutions around Player Scouting, Fan Engagement and Club Operations.

Airtel I-League CEO Sunando Dhar along with Head of Operations of Pune FC Chirag Tanna and CEO of Bengaluru FC Mustafa Ghouse were the representatives from Airtel I-League.

“One of the key technologies showcased by SAP is around Player Performance Management. It includes a chip technology, from Fraunhofer Institute embedded in the shin guards and Jersey of Players as well as inside the Football,” Anirban Dey, Managing Director of SAP India toldwww.the-aiff.com.
   
“These sensors push live position and acceleration data into SAP’s revolutionary in-memory platform SAP HANA, which in real-time calculates Player and Team performance. Some of the metrics shown are Average Ball Contact Time, Average Distance run, Burst Speed of Players, Ball Possession etc,” he added.

“SAP believes that this can also be leveraged by the I-League clubs,” urged Dey.

German Bundesliga outfit TSG 1899 Hoffenheim who have been using innovative software from SAP for many years, including the enterprise resource planning (ERP) application SAP® ERP for financial accounting, merchandising and E-commerce.

“Attending a Workshop like this gives you an idea of how technology in Football is used and at which level,” Sunando Dhar told www.the-aiff.com.

“The Workshop gave us a chance to assess where we stand presently and the potential of improving. We can take a lot back from the Conference. It was indeed a learning curve,” Dhar added.

Bangalore-based SAP India had invited Airtel I-League Clubs to be a part of this unique Seminar and Dhar is delighted to have been able to share the dais with the top Clubs of the World.

“This shows that Airtel I-League is certainly going in the right direction in terms of setting higher standards. I was overwhelmed when SAP India wanted the participation of Airtel I-League and am very thankful to them. Being on the same page with the top Clubs of the World was a matter of pride and is also learning experience,” Dhar stated.

Further he informed that there can be a Pilot Project in store with SAP and Airtel I-League.

“We are trying to work out a deal with SAP India on whether the technology can be brought to India, if not on the same scale but parts of it. A Pilot Project may be in the offing.”

Dey backed Dhar’s claims by adding that “SAP is exploring some live pilots at select Airtel I- League Clubs before making this main stream in India. Conversions are on-going on this regard.”

“SAP is focused on providing robust and scalable software solutions to all its customers globally. India Football can also benefit from this and we believe that SAP can be a strong partner in this regard and help elevate Indian football to the next level,” he added.

Ghouse of Bengaluru FC feels that it’s too early to think of adapting a similar advanced technology for I-League since there is still ambiguity over the commercial aspects of the Programme.

“The product is very advanced and innovative. It provides lot of information which you don’t get otherwise. But I am still not sure about its commercial aspects as it’s not quite clear. I am not sure we need something as advanced at the moment, but a toned down version will not be bad,” Ghouse said.

When queried about its feasibility in India, Dey asserted: “SAP will continue to work with the Airtel I-League Clubs to provide affordable solutions which will provide them high return value on their investments.”

Placing special sensors in shin guards, clothing and the ball itself, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim collects an enormous amount of actionable data from training, which is stored, processed and analysed by using SAP HANA.

Based on these analyses, trainers are developing new ways to improve the Players' game. Capability characteristics, such as acceleration, speed and ball contacts are calculated in real time for individual players or the whole team and visualised via an easily configurable user interface.

This data is used to personalise training to strategically target the strengths and weaknesses of each player and help create the most effective training plan possible.

By Nilanjan Datta, AIFF Media Team
SILIGURI, November 13: He’s tall, dark and handsome. Arindam Bhattacharya, when reminded, smiles. “I play Football and will play Football,” is all what he says.

As Arindam walks past, Indian National Team’s Goalkeeping Coach Marcus Pacheco comments, “Look at his height. International Goalkeepers stay that tall. He looks a Goalkeeper and is a Goalkeeper.” Pacheco smiles; and so do all.

“When he first burst onto the scene, his height had struck me. He had just played for India U-19 then. Months later when he was named in the National squad, I discovered his talent. He was full of energy, willing to learn and motivate himself,” Pachecho adds.

“He was then touted to be one of the best Indian Goalkeepers and he stays on track. In between, injuries hit him hard. He needs to play and gather more match experience. That would help him complete the Course what we are expecting from him.”

More than being a shot stopper and an equally good distributor, Arindam’s first struggle wasn’t on the Football Field. Instead, it was at Home.

“All my relatives are very good in Academics. Most of them are Software Engineers. My Dad was working for a Multinational organisation and my elder brother, a Chef. Taking up Football as a career was a sort of taboo in our family,” he informs.

“But Oliver Kahn had inspired me and I was a sort of rebel. Convincing all was difficult. But it all fell into place once I joined the Tata Football Academy and thereafter went ahead to don the U-19 Indian Team colours.”

For the record, Arindam makes a comeback to the National squad after the Nehru Cup. I was in the Preparatory Camp in Bangalore prior to the Nehru Cup but was nursing my knee,” he recollects. “In fact, the shoulder injury hit me hard as I missed the Bus to the Asian Cup. I had dived to gather a ball and fell badly. I couldn’t play for six-seven months and in the process missed the entire season.”

“I have been part of National Teams but the training process under Koevermans-sir has impressed me a lot,” he pronounces. “Moreover, at the National Camp, you get to train under a Goalkeeping Coach which may not always be the case with the Clubs. Goalkeeping is always a specialised subject,” he quips.

How is a Goalkeeper’s training different from the rest?

“A Goalkeeper Coach will guide you about your positioning, outing. When you train day in and day out with a Goalkeeping Coach, he follows a certain routine. He will make you stretch as you dive for the Balls. He understands more than any as to how much a Goalkeeper ought to stretch,” Arindam explains. “The others use their legs, we use our hands.

“But modern-day Goalkeeping is not all about shot stopping. Distribution is nowadays an integral part our profession. Modern Football is all about building up from the back. I enjoy it a lot. In fact, it’s my plus point.”

“The two back to back Friendlies stay very significant. The squad has been practicing hard. We have been unlucky in some previous matches. Let Lady Luck be on our side,” he urged.

By Nilanjan Datta, AIFF Media Team
SILIGURI, November 13: The Indian National Team had their first practice session at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri on Wednesday (November 13) evening. India are slated to play two back-to-back International Friendlies at the Stadium, the first against Philippines on November 15, followed by another against Nepal on November 19.

“The ground is in good shape. The last time I was here for the Federation Cup the atmosphere was just electric. It’s the perfect condition to play an International Friendly,” National Coach Wim Koevermans stated at the Official Media Interaction.

“We have had a look at videos involving the Philippines Team and it will be an interesting match. The Weather here is a bit cooler but that’s the fun of International Football,” he added. “We will play in the manner we want to play.”

Apart from the evening practice session under the lights, Koevermans and the entire Indian contignent had a feel of the turf when they had a stroll on the ground in the morning.

“Siliguri is known for its passionate support. I urge all to throng the stands in large numbers in the Stands,” Central Defender Arnab Mondal, who had scored in the Federation Cup Final for East Bengal last season, echoed. “There’s always that feel-good factor when you play the Kanchenjunga Stadium.”

“There are some new faces in the squad but we have been playing against and with each other at the domestic level. Adjusting has never been a problem,” Arnab maintained.

Robin Singh said the Team is all geared up to entertain the crowd in Siliguri. “We are here to make our Country proud,” he pronounced.

“Football is a game of 90 minutes. So we need to stay alert and grab the chances that will come our way. We have been guilty of squandering chances and if you do it consistently, you will be in trouble,” he said. “It’s the Players who have to go there on perform.”

There was a queue for tickets at the Stadium gate on Wednesday morning. Tickets have gone on sale from Monday onwards and the local organisers expect a good turnout for the matches.

Meanwhile, the Philippines Team who landed in Siliguri on Wednesday morning also had their practice session under the lights at the Stadium.

By Debayan Mukherjee, AIFF Media Team
NEW DELHI, November 9: As far as giving the youngsters a chance to strut their stuff in International Friendlies is concerned; Former India Captain Bhaichung Bhutia and India National Team Coach Wim Koevermans stay on the same page.

On the sidelines of the All India Football Federation Technical Committee Meeting held at Football House, Bhutia, who is the Chairman of the Committee, hailed the Dutch Coach’s Team selection ahead of India’s two International Friendlies against Philippines and Nepal on November 15 and 19 respectively.

“It’s good that we have so many new faces in the Squad for the two upcoming International Friendlies,” Bhutia told www.the-aiff.com.

“Friendlies are the right platform where you can experiment and give youngsters a run. Results I feel are not always the topmost criteria. Wim has done exactly that,” added the Sikkimese Sniper.

Koevermans made as many as ten changes to the Squad that reached the final of the SAFF Championship in Nepal this year. Of the ten five are uncapped.

In fact, since the Dutchman -- a 1988 European Championship winner with the Netherlands -- took over the reins of the Indian National Team, the likes of Arnab Mondal, Robin Singh, Dawson Fernandes, CK Vineeth, Arata Izumi have made their debuts.

So much so that as many as ten Players have made their International Debut for India since Koevermans took over the reins of the Indian National Team.

“It’s important for the players who are doing well in the National League to get recognition and be given a chance to prove their mettle. Friendlies provide the perfect platform for them to spread their wings. I am glad that is happening,” Bhutia stressed.

Koevermans’ contract was extended till October next year by the Technical Committee. In his capacity as the Chairman of the Body, Bhutia said that there is no reason to lose faith on the Dutch tactician right now and the decision has been taken in the best interests of the National Team.

“I have always maintained that Wim has been unfortunate. He took over at a time when the Team was in a transition period. Seven-eight Senior players had hung up their boots and it was a new team at his disposal,” Bhutia said.

“Shorter camps didn’t help either. For International Competitions like AFC Qualifiers and World Cup Qualifiers we need longer Camps. It takes time for a new Coach to get his combination right and implement the philosophy. He got very little of the time.

“Clubs here have to realise that the National Team is priority No.1. It is with the prosperity of the National Team that these Clubs will benefit directly. More success of the National team, more number of sponsors for the Clubs too. So they have to release players for National Camps,” Bhutia maintained.

Bhutia added that it will be beneficial for India if the clubs and the National Team work closely together like in Germany and Spain.

“When Players assemble for short camps with different playing styles in clubs, the job of the Coach becomes all the more difficult. It will help if the Clubs and National Team follow the same philosophy.”

Imphal, November 9: The Opening Ceremony of the IXth Jadonang Memorial Football Tournament 2013 organised by the Zeliangrong Football Association (ZFA) was held today at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband, Imphal.

The function was graced by Gaikhangam, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Manipur as Chief Guest. Shri Victor Keishing, Hon’ble Parliamentary Secretary, Tribal Affairs & Hills, Information Technology, Dr. Kh. Loken, Ex-Minister,Shri Jyotin Waikhom, Secretary MPCC and Shri Thambaljao Phaomei, Hon’ble Vice-Chairperson IMC and also Vice-Chairman, Organising Committee attended the function as Guests of Honour and Function President.

Gaikhangam, Honble Deputy Chief Minister  unfurl the ZFA flag of the tournament. The programme highlights are silence observation for the departed solus of ZFA members, presentation of song by Miss Gangmei Thanchuilu and a cultural dance by Ragailong Cultural Song & Dramatic Union.

March past competition of all the 24 participating team was also held with the chief guest taking the salutation to the contingent.

An oath of administration was also taken by all participating team led by Shri Gaipuijai Golmei, President ZFA.

Later, in the evening the opening match was played between Gaipuinam (GUFA) and Namgaijang Khoupum (NKYC) in which Gaipuinam defeated Namgaijang by 2-1 goal.

This year Winning Team will carry away a cash prize of Rs.50,000/- with trophy and the Runner-up Team with Rs.30,000/- with trophy. There will be an award for the Best Disciplined Team and Best March-Past Team with Rs.5000/- and a cup each. Individual prizes will also be awarded for the Best Player, Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer with a cash prize of Rs.3000/- and a cup each.

MPHAL, November 4: After beating numerous rival teams, the four times winner of Manipur State League, NISA Thangmeiband subdued former defending champion of Manipur State League SSU Singjamei in tie break of the final match of the 8th Manipur State League Championship played at Artificial Turf ground at Khuman Lampak here today.

The first goal of the match was scored by L. Gococha of SSU in the 19th minute of the match. However, it was equalized by the player of NISA after winning a penalty kick in the 27th minute of the match.
The winning team NISA was awarded an amount Rs 2 lakhs and a trophy dedicated by MLA Kh. Joykishan of Thangmeiband in his own name.

The runners up team of the League, SSU was awarded a trophy and an amount Rs. 1 Lakh dedicated in the name of Khumukcham (o) Leone Devi, wife of the MLA.

The top scorer award of the league was given to Kh. Satish of NEROCA along with an amount of Rs. 20,000. Altogether, Satish scored 9 goals during the championship.

Player of the tournament was awarded to Md. Imran Khan of SSU and he was awarded with an amount of Rs. 20,000 and a trophy.

Fair play of the league was awarded to team USA Khurai. Team USA won an amount of Rs. 50,000 along with a trophy.

AIFF Media Team
NEW DELHI, November 5: Former India Captain Bhaichung Bhutia chaired All India Football Federation Technical Committee meeting at the Football House, AIFF Headquarters on Monday (November 4, 2013). Other Technical Committee Members Mr. Savio Messias, Mr. Henry Menezes, Mr. Lalnghinglova Hmar and Mr. Anil Kumar also attended the Meeting.

Besides, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das, AIFF Technical Director Robert Baan, Indian Senior National Team Coach Wim Koevermans, and AIFF Technical Director Academies & Director of Coach Education Scott O’Donell were also present.

It was decided in the meeting that India Senior National Team Coach Wim Koevermans’ contract will be extended till October 2014, that is end of the Asian Games. AIFF Technical Director Robert Baan’s contract was also extended by a year.

The Committee focused on planning Grassroots and Youth Development Programmes and producing more number of ‘quality’ Coaches by proper Coach Education Programmes.

The bigger role and responsibilities of State Associations were also highlighted and it was decided that the parent body will be stricter on the associations to enforce a proper scouting in place.

“There has been a lot of thinking in terms of development of Indian Football. We are focusing a lot on Grassroots. We have recently tied up with Football Federation of Australia for financial and technical assistance,” Das said in his opening address.

Bhutia suggested that I-League players be allowed to do Coaching Courses with an eye on having more number of ‘quality’ Coaches.

“I-League players should be allowed to do Coaching Courses for having better Coaches,” Bhutia suggested.

“It is time to put our foot down and get the state associations going in order to have the best players in our Regional Academies. Otherwise all the hard work put in by our Coaches and Rob goes down the drain,” Bhutia added.

“Clubs need to release players for National Camps for longer periods. We all need to realize that National Team's success is the only way for football to grow in India. If today India qualify for the World Cup, you can imagine the amount of sponsorship the clubs and AIFF will get,” Bhutia maintained.

The Committee unanimously recommended the following points:

State Associations need to play a bigger role in Grassroots and Youth Development.

Bring more number of quality Coaches on board by issuing online application forms for Coaching Courses on AIFF website thereby increasing participation and ensuring transparent selection.

Alongwith Rob Baan and Scott O’Donell Technical Committee members Henry Menezes and Savio Messias will be looking after Coaching Programmes, Academies and the scouting system in different State Associations.

More number of Exposure Trips for National Teams, age group and Senior Team.

Improve the quality of foreign recruits playing in the I-League for the betterment of the National Team. It was recommended that there should be a set Criteria for a foreigner to play in the Airtel I-League.

A review on the number of foreign players playing in the Airtel I-League will also be done.

It was discussed that the onus should be on the clubs to have their own Academies, and not depend on the Federation alone to set up all Regional Academies.

The State Associations should also have Training Centres.

Promote Women’s football on a larger scale.

AIFF Media Team
New Delhi, November 5: National Coach Wim Koevermans has announced his squad of 21 Players for India’s two International Friendlies which are scheduled in November 2013. India first play Philippines on November 15 followed by Nepal on November 19.

Squads
GOALKEEPERS: Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC), Subhashish Roychowdhury (Dempo SC), Arindam Bhattacharya (Churchill Brothers).

DEFENDERS: Denzil Franco (Churchill Brothers), Nicolau Colaco (Salgaocar SC), Arnab Mondal (East Bengal), Aibhorlang Khongjee (Mohun Bagan), Raju Gaikwad (East Bengal), Gurjinder Kumar (Pune FC), Narayan Das (Dempo SC).

MIDFIELDERS: Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal), Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers), Lalrindika Ralte (East Bengal), Arata Izumi (Pune FC), Francis Fernandes (Salgaocar SC), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC), CK Vineeth (United SC, Victorino (Sporting Clube de Goa).

FORWARDS: Dawson Fernandes (Sporting Clube de Goa), Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh (both Bengaluru FC).

STANDBYES: Shilton Paul, Rowilson Rodrigues, Gurwinder Singh, Shouvik Ghosh, Rocus Lamare, Malswamtulunga, Tsewang Karma, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Denson Devdas. 

Shillong, November 5: In a crucial eight round encounter of the I-League, Rangdajied United will host table-toppers Salgaocar FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday. After seven rounds, Rangdajied lie at the bottom of the table with two points; but the blues will hope to turn things around with a win over league leaders Salgaocar.

Rangdajied United and Salgaocar have both had quite contrasting starts to their league campaigns. The Goans have been rampant in the I-League so far, and have suffered only a single defeat. On the other hand, Rangdajied are yet to adjust to life in the top-flight, and remain winless from their first seven games.
If the Blues’ coach Santosh Kashyap has been boosted by the positive performance from his side in the recent 1-0 away loss at Pune, he has more concern regarding the availability of his key players.

Eugeneson Lyndoh, the skipper and the heart of the team will still sit out because of knee injury while Restomwell is still nursing his hamstring. Defender Pratik too has a knee injury.

Not being able to withstand the cold Shillong condition, players like Elam Abocha, Ambilstar Sun, Nagen Bhutia are all down with fever and racing against time to get fit for this crucial match. The wall of the team, Lamine Tamba is also suffering from stomach upset, though he did light practice in the training session today.
The positive however is the increasing fitness of striker Edmar, who is also gaining confidence with each passing match. Lalnunpuia is no different as he has been exceptional in trainings and Sandesh is also getting his touch back.

With chink in the Rangdajied arsenal, coach Kashyap has an uphill task to fill in the gaps as he hinted that tomorrow's match could see few new faces in the team.

Shambu Mistry started beneath the bar in the last game against Pune, and will hope to fend off competition from Surjay Pariyar for the starting place once again. Poibiang Pohshna, Munmun Lugun, Thomas Saikhom, Bhola Prasad and Pynshogdor Shadap are all available, and will be hoping to feature in Santosh Kashyap’s starting XI on Tuesday.

Considering the form Salgaocar forward Darryl Duffy is in at the moment, the blues’ defence will have a hard task at hand on Tuesday, and it will be interesting to see the back-four combination coach Kashyap starts with in the game.

At the center of the field, meanwhile, Rangdajied put up a much improved showing in the game at Pune, and coach Kashyap will be hoping for a similar outing from his medios.

Up front, Santosh Kashyap could use the services of Edmar, Lalnunpuia, Sandesh Gadkari or Joy Kharraswai against the strong Salgaocar backline. The blues’ forwardline will need to be on top form against the Goan side, and the fans of the club would be hoping for the same.

Rangdjied United haven’t had the best of starts to its debut I-League campaign. However, with 15 games yet to go in the season, there is a lot of time left for the blues to turn the season around. A win against the league leading side can do wonders to the morale of the team.