Bangalore: It is the battle between the two newest teams of Airtel I-League. On Sunday, when hosts Bengaluru FC face Rangdajied United FC of Shillong in the second round of the Airtel I-League, both the teams will be looking for their first win of the season.
While Bengaluru FC had to be content with a single point after drawing against Mohun Bagan in Bangalore, Rangdajied United FC lost their opening match against United Sports Club in Kolkata.
But Sunday will be a new day for both the teams.
The visitors are confident of putting up a better show against Bengaluru FC. Bangalore has been a happy hunting ground for the Shillong outfit as it was here that they got the ticket to the I-league, when they won the second division I-league at the very same ground.
“We are a new and young team and even in the last match we created a lot of chances. But the lack of experience did us in and we lost that match,” said Santosh Kashyap, coach, Rangdajied United FC. “We have got one week after that to regroup and we are better prepared for tomorrow’s match. I am sure that the boys have also learnt from the mistakes,” he added.
The coach also pointed out that the team felt at home in Bangalore. “ Last match it was quite humid in Kolkata, but here in Bangalore the weather is similar to Shillong which is good for the boys,” Kashyap said.
The visitors will be playing in a 4-4-2 formation and Kashyap has been focusing mainly on ball possession and positive play. The team’s Senegalese defender Lamine Tamba has a slight muscle pull and the coach will take a final decision regarding him before the start of the match.
On the other hand, the home side will go all out to pocket three points from this match.
“The team is in good spirit and I am happy with the way the team played against Mohun Bagan,” said Ashley Westwood, Bengaluru FC coach. “As far as Sunday’s game is concerned, we approach every game with a positive mindset and everybody is ready to give their hundred percent on the field,” he added.
Bengaluru FC were unlucky not to start their I-league campaign with a win as the strikers had missed a few opportunities up front. But the coach isn’t bothered about it. “Past is past and I have no problems with the strikers missing a few opportunities up front. Atleast they were getting there and I am sure we will put up an improved performance on Sunday,” pointed out Westwood.
All the players are fit for Sunday’s match and focus will be on Aussie striker Sean Rooney, who scored his team’s only goal against Mohun Bagan. The team will be missing the services of Thoi Singh, who was shown a red card in the last match.