Quess East Bengal look to drive home advantage against Neroca as big games continue
Kolkata, February 6, 2019: With every game involving the top half of the 11-team 12th Hero I-League table having the potential to turn fortunes, fourth-placed Quess East Bengal (QEB) take on fifth-placed Neroca FC at their home in Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) on Thursday, February 07, 2019, in a crucial return leg fixture. The match under lights is scheduled for a 5 PM IST kick-off.
Quess East Bengal had emerged runaway winners in the first leg played over three months back, courtesy a double strike by Mexican striker Enrique Esqueda, but much water has flowed under the bridge since then.
While Quess East Bengal have bolstered their squad even more since then, bringing in players like young Spaniard Jamie Colado and Toni Dovale, Neroca, who lost Japanese talisman Katsumi Yusa to injury mid-way through that game, have him back at his best.
They have also roped in ‘Bhutanese Ronaldo’ Chencho Gyeltshen and he could be the trump card in the game tomorrow for the Manipur side.
Both teams are coming off morale-boosting victories and are among a chasing pack of four with six rounds left and Chennai City at the top of the points table. The thing going for the home side lately is that under Spanish coach Alejandro Garcia, the team has begun to play percentage, professional football, with each player executing his given role to the best of his abilities.
The coach has displayed sound tactical knowledge and seems to be getting the best out of his squad of players.
Speaking to the media before the big game, Garcia said, “ Now all of the matches will be very difficult and Neroca is a very good team. They have good skills and tricks and they will try to win the match. But for us, we need to start good with fresh legs and try to win the match. It’s an important game and can be the turning point of our championship. It is a new match to continue the fight for the title, and in the last two matches, we will need to see if we need to win two matches or one. Focusing on each match and trying to tackle one after the other.”
Neroca also has a Spanish coach in Manuel Fraile and he has also done well to keep his side in the title race despite some injury setbacks in the middle part of the campaign.
He said on the match-day eve, “Both the teams are here to fight for the championship. We play every match for the three points. This match is the most important match for this title. The team is focussed. We are a good team and all the players are giving their best and practising hard. East Bengal is a good team and they have good attacking players. With Katsumi performing and Chencho’s skills, we are hoping to win the match and win three points.”
There will be a lot of flair and youth on display at the VYBK on Thursday given the likes of Jobby Justin, the league’s highest Indian goal scorer with eight goals, Jamie Colado and Chencho likely to give their all in this crucial game.
There is also sure to be packed partisan crowd support available particularly to the home side and Neroca are also known to have a dedicated group following them all around the country. This game will not be for the faint-hearted.
by Aiff media
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…