Kolkata: Defending I-League champions Aizwal FC will aim to get back to winning ways, when they take on Churchill Brothers at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizwal on Wednesday. After a 2-2 draw against East Bengal in their first match from being 2 goals down, coach Paul Menezes will hope that his boys carry the momentum in their opening home match as well, a ground that was a fortress in 2016 when Aizawl gathered 25 points from the possible 27.
“We will play the way we played in the Mizoram Premier League. Sometimes we have to defend we cannot attack the opponents all the time,” said Menezes at the pre-match conference.
“Several key players have left us but I hope we can form a strong team this season. After collecting one point against East Bengal I expect three points against Churchill Brothers,” added the Aizwal gaffer.
The match ended 6-2 in favour of Aizwal when the two teams last met and midfielder Alfred Jaryan who was a vital cog of the club in the title winning previous season said, “Last season was a great one and the fans played their part too. We will try to replicate last season’s form and will give our best in every game. We play for the club, fans and also most important Mizoram.”
Churchill Brothers on the other hand have not had a start they comprehended. A 0-2 defeat again Shillong Lajong in their opening encounter, they were hammered by Mohun Bagan, who put five goals past their defence. Coach Mykola Shevchenko is however optimistic about his team’s chances against the reigning champions.
The Ukrainian, who played for both the Goan clubs Fc Goa and Churchill Brothers said, “We have lost two straight matches and I hope we can develop and change as a team tomorrow. We came with a new mindset hoping to regain our confidence. We have travelled a lot these days and this makes it harder for the player’s recovery but injuries is part and parcel of the game.”
Lingering at the bottom position, having conceded seven goals in two matches without scoring any, the ‘Reds Machines’ will hope to earn atleast a point before they face East Bengal in their final away match prior to their home games.