Spirited Sudeva Delhi FC face stern NEROCA challenge

by Marina Gonsalves February 18, 2021

KOLKATA: Crucial points are up for the taking when seventh-placed Sudeva Delhi clash against tenth-placed NEROCA at the KBK Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal tomorrow (February 19, 2021). The kick-off is slated for 2 PM IST and the match will be broadcasted live on 1Sports, while simultaneously being streamed on 1Sports’ Facebook page.

Newcomers Sudeva Delhi FC put up a massive performance against former Hero I-League Champs Aizawl FC and held them to a 1-1 draw in a mid-table clash. While they sit in 7th place with 9 points from 7 matches, Sudeva Delhi will be optimistic that his all-Indian contingent is able to win all three points in the race for the top six.

Speaking at the virtual pre-match meet, assistant coach Pushpender Kundu said, “It was a high pressing game against Aizawl, and I am delighted with the team performance for 90 minutes- they were focused, disciplined, and never lost hope. I hope they can continue showing these positive signs of the display every game we play.”

“We are in the bottom half and need to get three points from this game. We will field our strongest 11. NEROCA might not have found their rhythm yet, but they are still strong opposition to face, we saw that against Kashmir. I am sure, they will also be preparing for a win, and so we are preparing accordingly.”

Defender Gursimrat Gill said, “All players are doing well, and we are motivated to win again. In the last game, Aizawl finished with better momentum towards the end of the game. It was positive to come out with a point, and now we are gunning for all three points against NEROCA.”

Despite the hard work and undying fighting spirit shown in their 4-3 defeat to Real Kashmir, NEROCA FC finds itself just over the bottom of the table. The defeat meant a five-point difference between them and the 6th-placed team. With 3 matches remaining for Gift Raikhan’s side, the Orange Brigade needs a victory to ensure they don’t stay on the bottom half.

Speaking at the virtual press conference, NEROCA head coach Gift Raikhan said, “Every match is important. We win some, we lose some. The match against Real Kashmir was very important as the boys put in an excellent performance. I think the biggest boost for us is that we scored three goals against them (Kashmir), a feat nobody has achieved this season.”

“We lost the game in defending. And that is my responsibility. I am working towards bettering the shape and compacting the defence. Result apart, the performance against Real Kashmir was very positive, and we want to carry on such performances.”

“Sudeva is a very competitive side in every match they play. They might be a new team, but they have a talent pool of Indian players like Kean Lewis, Mahesh, and Naocha. We have done our homework, and I hope the clash between us will be a fantastic one,” he added.

Midfielder Judah Emmanuel Garcia, who was also present at the presser, said, “We are inspired by our performance against Real Kashmir. Every time we conceded, we returned to a hard fight. Unfortunately, we also made defensive errors and lost the game. The team went all out last game, and we will continue to do the same.”

CREDITS: I-LEAGUE MEDIA

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