SPORTS
Aizawl FC will come out all guns blazing when they face Shillong Lajong in their bid to become the first team from the North-East to win the coveted I-League football title.
Aizawl FC will come out all guns blazing when they face Shillong Lajong in their bid to become the first team from the North-East to win the coveted I-League football title.
A draw in the North-East derby will clinch it for Khalid Jamil's men, who have had a wonderful tournament and are likely to finish on 37 points.
But the triumph is not just about a football club but about the socio-political impact that it will have on Indian football. From being providers to clubs, the team from North East have now carved out a niche for themselves.
Since its inception as National Football League more than two decades ago, the blue riband tournament has been a bastion for the elite clubs of Indian football like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, JCT (now defunct), Salgaocar, Dempo and Bengaluru FC.
Till date, North East has been the supply line for Indian football -- be it through the finishing school of Tata Football Academy or through the various clubs where some of the biggest names of Indian football have played.
From Sikkimese sniper Bhaichung Bhutia to artistic Manipuri medio like Rennedy Singh -- North-East's contribution to Indian football has been immense. Mizoram has been a minefield of talent.
While someone like Pachau Lalampuiya went into oblivion, it is current goal-machine of Indian football Jeje Lalpheklhua, who has captured the imagination of Indian football lovers. Call it irony, Jeje played for Mohun Bagan, the side Aizawl is most likely to pip en rourte their title.
A host of local players, two unheralded Mumbai boys -- Jayesh Rane and Ashutosh Mehta along with Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Al Amna formed an interesting mix of players through their dream season.
But as a team, lifting the silverware will be a tremendous boost for the wonderfully receptive and passionate people from the region, who love the beautiful game.
Jamil, meanwhile, accepted that there will be pressure on his side going into tomorrow's "make or break encounter" but the boys have to give their 100 per cent under any circumstances.
Preparation wise there is nothing much that Aizawl is going to do differently, said Jamil adding that Lajong were no pushovers at home and have displayed tremendous grit all along the season.
Jamil, however, added that Aizawl would definitely want to life the title whoch would be a perfect gift to the thousands of Mizo fans who have stood by the team through thick and thin.
Replying to a question, Jamil said as a coach he cannot allow the stress of the epic encounter to get into him.
"The coach has to be under control," the former Mumbai FC coach said.
From the beginning of the season we have taken it one match at a time and tomorrow;s gonna be no different, Jamil said.
The news of around 2000 Aizawl fans travelling to Shillong for the NE derby has added extra spice to the tie and on Sunday all roads are certain to lead to the JN Stadium Shillong.
While Aizawl will miss out on the services of Ashutosh Mehta and Alfred Jaryan, both of whom are suspended after receiving four yellow cards, Lajong have an all-fit squad for Sunday.
While it's a North-East derby but it seems Lajong's presence is just merely functional. But they can spoil the party something that Mohun Bagan fans will be eagerly waiting.
Ahead of the action on Sunday, Lajong coach Thangboi Singto calmed the nerves stating that though getting three points was all-important for SLFC, the game of football should be the ultimate winner at the end of the day.
For Singto, who aimed for a number 4 finish at the beginning of the season, things have been "positively challenging".
"Tomorrow will be a very tough game. It's important for the players stay calm," the Lajong coach said with a reassuring smile.
(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
Viral video: Crocodile spotted in drain, rescued by forest department in Kanpur, watch
Who was GN Saibaba, ex-DU professor who died months after acquittal in alleged Maoist links case?
Gautam Adani on Ratan Tata's death news: 'Legends like him never fade away...'
Baba Siddique shot dead in Mumbai, his last social media post goes viral, it was...
Former Delhi University professor GN Saibaba passes away
IND vs BAN, 3rd T20I: India beat Bangladesh by 133 runs, complete 3-0 clean sweep in Hyderabad
Baba Siddique, who was shot at in Mumbai, dies, confirms Lilavati Hospital
22 sixes, 25 fours: India register their highest-ever total in T20I cricket history
THIS is world’s shortest flight, lasts only 90 seconds, it covers a distance of…
Durga Puja 2024: Rani Mukerji, Kajol dazzle in saree during sindoor khela
Amitabh Bachchan made big investment in this smallcap company, gave more than 600% return in 5 years
THIS Mumbai canteen has been named best restaurant in India, it serves the best...
Watch: Sanju Samson smashed Rishad Hossain for five consecutive sixes during IND vs BAN 3rd T20I
Israel's precarious predicament: Can it thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions without US support?
‘Was called arrogant, entitled, selfish…’: This star cricketer once battled alcoholism, then…
Who is the wealthiest among Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani's children's in-laws?
Shantanu Naidu stopped by Mumbai police before Ratan Tata's funeral, watch viral video
IND vs BAN: Why is Harshit Rana not playing India vs Bangladesh 3rd T20I?
THIS robot can serve drinks, babysit children, walk dogs and even be your friend, it costs Rs...
Delhi to launch 'E-Detection' system: Here's how it will prevent polluting vehicles from entering
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Pays Tribute to Ratan Tata
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio launches new ISD plans for THESE countries, price starts at Rs...
Meet China's 'Spider-Woman' who climbs 100-metre cliff bare-handed, with no safety equipment
Tech millionaire attempts reverse ageing, get 'baby face': What happened next will leave you shocked
Shilpa Shetty stuns in pink lehenga as turns showstopper for Megha Bansal at Lakme Fashion Week
IND vs BAN, Hyderabad weather update: Will rain play spoilsport in India vs Bangladesh 3rd T20I?
What did Nita Ambani do before marrying Mukesh Ambani? What was her salary?
Ratan Tata death: 'Titan' of Indian business, philanthropist icon's cause of death is...
Rishabh Pant reveals real story behind his ‘fake injury’ in T20 World Cup final
Tamil Nadu train accident: Know reason behind derailment, here's what Railways official says...
Iran gives big warning to oil-rich allies of US: 'Don't help Israel or else...'
MS Dhoni sets internet on fire with new haircut, pics go viral
Shikhar Dhawan and Chris Gayle's playful dance moves go viral, watch
Former Cricketer Ajay Jadeja named heir to Jamnagar royal throne
Meet woman, India's first visually impaired IAS officer, who cracked UPSC twice with AIR...
Who is Ratan Tata's successor to what was his religion: 5 most-asked questions answered
Haryana's new BJP government to be sworn in on October 17 in Panchkula, PM Modi to attend
Good news for Delhi-NCR commuters, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway nears completion, set to open by...
How did Noel Tata succeed Ratan Tata as head of Tata Trusts?
'A day I'll always remember with...': Throwback to Ratan Tata's meeting with Sachin Tendulkar
Adani Energy secures Rs 61088000000 contract in Kenya for enhanced....
What key traits does Google seek in new hires? CEO Sundar Pichai makes big revelation
BIG boost for Gautam Adani as he emerges as biggest dollar gainer among the list of...
RG Kar case: West Bengal government remains silent as condition of fasting medics deteriorates
IDF expresses 'deep concern' after Israeli airstrike in Lebanon injures two UN peacekeepers, says...
Aishwarya Rai ends rumours of tiff with ‘pa’ Amitabh Bachchan’s family with new post, writes…
Mumbai Metro launches Whatsapp-based ticket service for lines 2A and 7; know steps to avail it
Meet former TCS employee, who even worked in SBI bank, then cracked UPSC exam to become...
India announce squad for New Zealand Test series, Jasprit Bumrah named vice-captain
Tamil Nadu train accident: Mysuru-Darbhanga Express crashes into goods train, several feared injured