I-LEAGUE Media Team

GOA: Sporting Clube de Goa believe a turnaround is round the corner and will start with their next round with a clash against Shillong Lajong FC in the Hero I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.

Sporting Clube de Goa are at the bottom of the pool with four points from eight matches and remain the only team without a win at the moment. But a clutch of new signings, including two foreign players, give them hope that they can save their season.

Sporting Clube came back from two goals down to score a 2-2 draw against East Bengal away at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata and are now determined to start their winning run at home.

“Sporting believe they are much better than where they are presently placed on the league table and will strive to prove it by getting the three points which are up for grabs on Saturday,” the club said in a statement on the eve of their clash.

Much of Sporting’s confidence is down to the presence of Nigerian striker Odafa Okolie, who despite not scoring a goal on debut for Sporting in the last match against East Bengal still gave glimpses of the form that made him one of the deadliest strikers in Indian football. Odafa has been the winner of the Golden Boot three times in the past.

Shillong Lajong are placed just above Sporting Clube with six points from eight matches and the visitors will also be under pressure to perform. The last time Shillong Lajong visited Goa, they lost to Salgaocar 1-2 despite being at an advantage of an additional player.

“Sporting Clube has always been a good team irrespective of the present standings. It will be a difficult match for us. They have a very balanced team,” said Shillong coach Thangboi Singto.

He further said, “The current team morale of Lajong is indeed good but a win in tomorrow’s match will certainly boost up the spirit of the team and also help us to play cohesively and do well in all our remaining matches.

“We respect Sporting Goa but we have to believe in ourselves and our abilities and play to our potential and end the match with a good result,” he said.

Match KO: Mar 28 @ 7 PM IST (Ten Action)
Hashtag: #SCGvSLFC