the goan I network
PANAJI
I-League may have lost its sheen and big names to the parallel-running Indian Super League, but the country's original top flight tournament has had its share of bright moments so far. Possibly in its last edition ahead of the ensuing merger of the two leagues next season, I-League's first Kolkata derby saw over 65,000 fans turn up for the match, while league newcomers Indian Arrows -- the developmental side of the Indian national team -- stunned Chennai City FC in their campaign opener at Bambolim.
The Arrows return to Athletics Stadium, Bambolim on Tuesday to host Minerva Punjab FC in their second game. Their first game at Bambolim, witnessed by an appalling 218 in the audience, saw India U-17 World Cup star Aniket Jadhav score a brace as Luis Norton de Matos' team easily overpowered the more fancied Chennai City 3-0.
Up against their young rivals, Minerva are not taking their inexperienced but dangerous hosts lightly. "Indian Arrows is a good, young side. We are prepared to overcome them with a philosophy of being aggressive at the top. We have to counter their attack by ensuring we take care of our defensive line," Minerva gaffer Khogen Singh said in a pre-match press conference. "Their striker, Aniket Jadhav is a little fast and very intelligent," he singled out the threat from the nippy frontman.
On his part, Indian Arrows coach Luis Norton de Matos is happy that his side started on a winning note. "I am happy that AIFF has agreed on my conditions to work for the development of Indian football from the U-17 World Cup to the U-19 and now the I-League," he said. "We are not obliged to win, but obliged to play to win. We will try our best to win," De Matos added.
