Strong challenge awaits Mumbai FC in Guwahati

The Mumbai club, have done well exceptionally well in the last two away games against the formidable East Bengal and Sporting Clube de Goa, by snatching 1-1 draws in both encounters and manager Henry Picardo, who will be in charge of the team for the third successive time in the absence of coach Khalid Jamil, is confident his boys will rise to the challenge. Jamil is serving a four match suspension imposed by the AIFF following the incidents during the round 15 match against Bengaluru FC in Bengaluru early this month.

“It’s a very important match for both of us. We have to try and avoid a defeat against the north-eastern club to ensure that we stay in the middle of the table. On the other hand Wahingdoh, like a wounded tiger following a close 2-3 loss to Dempo SC in Goa earlier in the week, will be looking for redemption,” said Picardo on the eve of the match.

“They (Royal Wahingdoh) will definitely play and try for a win against us as it would help them to stay with the lead pack. As such we have to have to play smart football, be very watchful and defend well as their forwards will be very robust in attack,” mentioned Picardo.

Picardo lamented that they would once again miss their influential Japanese midfielder Taisuke Matsugae, who is not fully fit. The Mumbai FC midfielders have a very important role to play in both attack and defence to take the fight to their opponents, who are very quick on the counters. Picardo will bank on goalkeeper Nidhinlal A.C. and the defenders, stopper back Chika Wali and Justine Stephen to try and blunt the Wahingdoh attack. Wing backs Ashutosh Mehta and Rahul Bheke have both been outstanding in supporting the defence.

Picardo pointed out that unlike in the previous game the weather conditions in Guwahati is much better. “In the last game in Goa, the hot humid conditions had quite an impact on the boys as they were simply unable to play their normal game. But, here the weather is excellent and I expect a very good performance from the players,” Picardo further stated.

Mumbai are currently placed in 8th position with 15 points with three wins from 15 matches, while Shillong club occupy the 4th position with 26 points with 7 wins, the last against leaders Mohun Bagan last week.

The match at the Nehru Stadium in Guwahati will kick-off at 4.30pm.