IMPHAL
Churchill Brothers will take on TRAU FC, who are smarting from their first home loss of the season, at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, Manipur on Friday.
After their impressive win in the capital against Rajasthan United, the return to Imphal has not been kind for TRAU. The Red Pythons lost their perfect home record in the goalless draw against Mohammedan Sporting, and in the following game on Tuesday, leaders Sreenidi Deccan handed them their first home defeat. As a result, the Imphal side have slipped to sixth on the table, level on 23 points with their next opponents Churchill Brothers, who are fourth on the table with a better goal difference.
TRAU and Churchill Brothers might be on the same number of points, but the outcome of their previous meeting in December was far from a close affair, an incredible 6-1 success for the Red Machines in Vasco. However, TRAU head coach Leimapokpam Nandakumar Singh expects a much different result on Friday with the backing of the home crowd.
“In the last game at their home, we lost 1-6, so it will be a big challenge for us to win tomorrow. They are neck-to-neck on the table with us. It will be another tough game but we will have the support of the home fans. The mood in the dressing room is also good, so we must win this match,” said Nandakumar at the pre-match press conference.
Irrespective of their big win in the reverse fixture, Churchill Brothers assistant coach Mateus Costa feels it is a difficult task for any side to get a result against TRAU at their home. “It is a home match for TRAU, so we expect a tough fight. Lately, they have been playing some great football, and except for the last game they haven’t lost at home this season,” he said
Costa talked highly of the opponents but believes his side needs to focus on their game plan in order to get a positive result. “We respect the opponent but we will stick to our plan and how we usually play. We want to put on our best performance tomorrow and get the three points,” he added.
