IMPHAL (Manipur): Neroca FC will host current I-League leaders Mohun Bagan at the Khuman Lumpak Stadium here on Thursday as the tournament approaches half-way mark.
The Mariners sit comfortably at the summit of the table while Neroca have struggled to find their feet.
Bagan are now unbeaten in six games and on the back of a win in the all-important derby against East Bengal.
The green and maroon side are now three points clear of second-placed Punjab FC, with a game in hand and nine points ahead of East Bengal.
But Bagan coach Kibu Vicuna wants to forget the derby win and focus on the next match.
“The derby is behind us now. We are very happy with the result and the three points but we have been thinking about tomorrow’s game ever since Monday. We know that it is going to be very difficult,” said Vicuna.
Neroca looking for surprise win
At the other end, the hosts will be walking into the match with a huge boost in morale following their home victory against Real Kashmir, which saw them climb up to sixth.
A win against Bagan would see them break into the top three, which would be an outstanding turnaround given that the Imphal-based outfit was in the dreaded relegation spot at the turn of the year.
They have punched above their weight before and since their breakthrough into the top flight, Neroca’s definition of crisis may have changed but not the man to lead them out of it.
Gift Raikhan, Head Coach, Neroca FC said, “The match will be very difficult for Neroca. They (Mohun Bagan) haven’t lost in a while now. They are strong and their marquee players are very good.”
Irrespective of the outcome of the game, the Khuman Lumpak attendees can brace themselves for a good afternoon of football. (Source: AIFF)
