AIFF Media Team
CHANDIGARH: As the Hero I-League 2017-18 is heading towards the final showdown where 4 teams will fight for the ultimate glory, Minerva Punjab FC are gearing up to host relegation-threatened Churchill Brothers FC Goa at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panch Kula tomorrow (March 8, 2018).
Minerva Punjab FC are the only team amongst the four who don’t depend on any other outcome to triumph the league if they secure all three points against the Red Machines. Meanwhile, they hold a slender chance to win the league with a draw or worse, given that other two outcomes in Kolkata and Kozhikode go accordingly.
Meanwhile, it will also be a do or die game for Churchill Brothers as they battle for survival in the top division of Indian football. Churchill Brothers are currently sitting on 17 points with one match left and anything less than a win can’t avert the peril for the Goan outfit.
The away team coach Alfred Fernandes said that this match is crucial for the future of Churchill Brothers as well as Minerva Punjab.
“It’s a very important match for the team. For Minerva, it’s a do or die match for them to win the I-League and for us also it’s a do or die match for survival in the I-League. It’s a tough match and whoever will take their chances, will come out as winners. It’s all about keeping yourself cool and expect a very tough match,” he told in the presser at Panch Kula.
Alfred Fernandes also mentioned the new era in Indian Football beckons where new clubs are taking over the legacy clubs of Indian Football.
“Earlier, the legacy clubs were walking away with the honours. Now it’s good for the Indian football that smaller clubs are fighting neck-to-neck with the clubs. Only Indian football will benefit from this”, Alfred added.
Minerva Punjab Head Coach Khogen Singh simply believes that Minerva Punjab need to focus on their game rather keeping an eye on other two matches.
“We don’t need to think about others, we have to just concentrate on our game. We have to win our game. Our aim, our objective, our motto is to win the match. If we win this match, we will end up as the winners. We think about our game,” Khogen Singh responded with confidence.
Rahul Das described how important tomorrow’s match is going to be for the Minerva Punjab FC players.
“It will be good not only for me but also for all the players. Last season we were 9th and this season we are at the top. It will be an achievement for the lifetime. It is the result of the sheer hard work by the coaches, players and owners”, Rahul opined.
Minerva Punjab vs Churchill Brothers will be telecast live on Star Sports 2 & HD 2 and streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV at 03:00 PM IST.
