Shillong: After a failed performance at the Federation Cup, Meghalaya's Lajong FC and new entrant Royal Wahingdoh FC are set to begin their I-League campaigns this season with a face-off at a derby match at the J N Stadium on Sunday.
Lajong FC coach Thangboi Singto and Wahingdoh FC coach Santosh Kashyap could already feel the adrenaline rush before the interesting 'derby' in Shillong.
Singto returned from an all time best performance of the club since 2009 securing sixth spot in the table last season while Kashyap put his bet on the newest entrant to the I-League from Meghalaya.
Royal Wahingdoh had already had a near impressive performance in the Federation Cup in Goa under Kashyap's managerial role.
Wary of their weak defense last season, Lajong who traded Wailadmi Passah to rival Wahingdoh could face double trouble as Royal Wahingdoh's Satiyasen Singh and Jackichand Singh have a knack of popping up from anywhere or cut in from the wings and into the net.
Having bagged three goals in the recently concluded Federation Cup, Jackichand is Royal Wahingdoh's best bet tomorrow even as Bekay Bewar could single handedly manage the front as the main striker. He did it when he found the net twice against Mumbai FC at the Federation Cup.
Using a modified version of 3-4-2-1 formation, Kashyap will bank on Nigerian Loveday Okechukwu to marshall the central defence in a three-man formation with Samananda and either of Kimkima or Passah supporting him at the sides.
Having had their best performance in the I-League last season, the Lajong FC coach said the club is all set to break new barriers this season.
Nigerian Penn Orji's addition into the club is expected to add on colours and move in the midfield area considered important in football.
The club retained the services of Trinidad and Tobago striker Cornell Glen, Uilliams and their rock solid defender Japanese Minchol Son.
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