AIFF Media Team 

IMPHAL: After a disastrous outing in Delhi, Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) have returned to the Khuman Lampak Stadium to host Real Kashmir in the Hero I-League 2022-23 match on Sunday, February 26, 2023. The kick-off is slated for 2 pm IST.

In their previous game against the bottom-placed Sudeva Delhi, the lack of performance in away matches continued for TRAU as they suffered a 1-4 defeat, bringing them down to fifth position on the points table. However, a win against Real Kashmir will take the Red Pythons back to third place.

Addressing the media at the pre-match press conference, TRAU head coach Leimapokpam Nandakumar Singh talked about the game against Sudeva. He said, “it was a disappointing result in the previous game. We have to make sure it is not repeated again.” Nandakumar Singh believes his team have shaken off its recent defeat and are ready for tomorrow’s game. “The preparations are going well, everything is good and the team is ready to face Real Kashmir,” he said.

The TRAU midfielder Bikash Singh Sagolsem added to his coach’s comments. “It’s another game for us and we are mentally strong. We will maintain our style of play and we are ready for the game tomorrow,” Bikash Singh said.

The Real Kashmir head coach Gifton Noel-Williams has managed to remain unbeaten in his first four games. However, this will be his first challenge away from home. Before the English Manager was given the charge of the Snow Leopards, they had a torrid time on the road. Out of eight outings away from home, Real Kashmir so far have managed to win just once. Interestingly, the only away win this season came at the same venue when Real Kashmir recorded a 1-0 victory against TRAU’s city rivals NEROCA back in November.

“The atmosphere is good, we are unbeaten in four games and the boys are really confident. Everyone is excited about the game. Hopefully, they are ready to give their 100% tomorrow,” Noel-Williams said.

On facing TRAU away from home, Noel-Williams believes it is just like any other challenge and he expects his players to give everything on the pitch. “I see it like any other game. Sometimes you win the game, sometimes you lose but I know for sure that all the players will give 100%,” the English manager said.

The match between TRAU and Real Kashmir will be telecast live on Eurosport and Doordarshan Sports and streamed live on the Discovery Plus OTT platform at 2 PM IST.