I-LEAGUE Media Team
NEW DELHI: Kolkata giants Kingfisher East Bengal take on Singapore outfit Balestier Khalsa FC in an AFC Cup encounter on Tuesday at the Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore.
The Red and Golds are currently third in the Group F of the competition and a favourable result on the morrow can make them contenders for qualification to the next round.
The Singapore outfit are currently in the bottom of the group following two losses from two games. East Bengal have so far played two, and are on a point – they lost the first game against Johor, and drew their second against Kitchee FC.
Coach Eelco Schattorie is looking to take forward his team’s performances from the previous AFC game, and is hopeful of the three points against Balestier tomorrow.
“In the game, we will be without the national team players, so that is a big ask. In the previous game against Kitchee, the team as a whole did pretty well in the second half and we were pretty organised,” the Dutch gaffer spoke to East Bengal TV.
“It is a chance for us to continue our performance and get the three points in the game tomorrow.”
“We will work on our creativity and passing, and although we do not have players like Dika who can control the midfield, we are still hopeful that we have players to fill in the gaps,” he continued.
The former United SC Coach also said that the Nigerian pair of Dudu and Ranti would be starting upfront, as they look for a first win tomorrow.
“Dudu needs the confidence to get him going. He will be hopefully be starting upfront in the game, along with Ranti Martins.
“I won’t be too defensive in my approach, and I am hopeful of the three points.”
The match will be telecast on Star Sports 4
Time: 5 PM IST.
