Shillong Lajong faces uphill task against upbeat East Bengal

Shillong: Shillong Lajong FC will face an uphill task when they take on the formidable East Bengal club in an I-League encounter here on Wednesday.

The combination and style of Edeh Chidi and James Moga can prove to be fatal to the host and Shillong Lajong has to keep hardworking medio Mehtab Hussain under tight leash in the midfield if they are to get anywhere close to stealing three points from the visitors. They proved they have the stamina and the prowess when they reached the AFC semi-final, however, East Bengal is still a wary lot as for tomorrow`s game is concern. Debutant in the I-League as coach, Marcos Falopa, said,"It will be an interesting game and I have heard so much about the good atmosphere and crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium." Admitting that his players were exhausted following the AFC Cup semi-final campaign, Falopa said he expects a good match with the host here tomorrow. Uga Okpara has been their main strength and if he is rested, Shillong Lajong`s foreign recruits could exploit on the weak links in East Bengal`s defence. Lajong coach, Thangboi Singto`s only hope is to see his players being positive in converting the opportunities they have. "I feel it`s just a matter of converting those chances and opportunities. East Bengal have a good squad and we are looking forward for a good game," he said.