Battle for Hero I-League spot intensifies as Delhi FC take on Kenkre FC

The battle for the elusive Hero I-League first division spot intensifies further as Delhi FC prepares to line up against Kenkre FC in the penultimate match of the Hero I-League Qualifiers 2021.

Both teams come into the crucial encounter with contrary fortunes as Kenkre FC are riding high following their 1-0 victory over Madan Maharaj FC, while Delhi FC faced defeat by a similar margin against Rajasthan United FC. The match is scheduled to kick off here at the Bangalore Football Stadium on October 20, 2021, at 12:30 PM IST.

Termed by many as the favorites to secure I-League qualification at the start of the final round, Delhi FC had their run of winning momentum halted by Rajasthan United FC, who inflicted the capital side’s first defeat of the competition with a late winner. Delhi FC head coach Surinder Singh cited a couple of reasons for his side’s lackluster performance in their previous match but remained confident of his team’s ability to turn around their form.

“We faced a pressure situation against a good team in Rajasthan United, and our performance was hampered by an early injury to James Kithan. The heavy rain towards the end also made the playing conditions difficult at a key moment of the game. We got unlucky yesterday, but these things are a part of the game and our job now is to bounce back from this defeat. The boys know this clearly, and I have faith in their ability to turn things around as we still have two matches to play.”

Looking forward to tomorrow’s encounter, head coach Surinder Singh commended Kenkre FC’s style of play. He said, “Kenkre FC are a good ball-playing side who like to play with a high percentage of possession. They keep the ball on the ground and know how to utilize it well. It will be an enjoyable match with plenty of attacking football, and I am looking forward to the competition and hope that we can emerge with a win.”

Delhi FC’s tenacious right full-back Samuel Shadap also outlined his team’s philosophy for the match tomorrow. He said, “The boys are really charged for tomorrow. We play with high intensity, and we will approach tomorrow with an even higher intensity than usual as we know that this is like a do-or-die situation for us. We have to keep our level up for the whole 90 minutes and fight for the win as it is now or never.”

While Delhi FC looks to make improvements to secure a win, Kenkre FC Head Coach Akhil Kothari cut a satisfied figure as he reflected on his side’s slender win over MMFC. Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Kothari said, “We played a good brand of football and created 2 or 3 chances on either side of halftime. The goal we scored was the result of a well-worked move as well, so we would like to continue in the same vein and look to build on the foundation we have laid out so far.”

Kenkre FC’s custodian between the goalposts Tenzin Samdup eagerly awaits the challenge that lies ahead for Kenkre FC in their bid to qualify for the Hero I-League. In the pre-match press conference, Tenzin said, “We know it will be an important match tomorrow, but our mindset over the whole competition has been to not worry about our opponent and instead be ready to execute our own game plan which the coach has worked on. We will treat this like just another match in which we have to get 3 points, so we are ready to match up against any team in this competition.”

Confronting the big question with an air of confidence, Tenzin stated that he believes in the team’s capability to go the distance and secure an I-League first division berth. He said, “For sure I believe that we can win the competition if we approach it with a positive mindset. When we came here, we were never content to be just one of the participants. We wanted to get as close to winning as possible, and now that we are here in this position, we have to take on our opponents with the thought of winning games and then wait to see what happens. So hopefully, Kenkre FC will be able to go the full distance.”

The match between Delhi FC and Kenkre FC will be telecast live on the 1Sports Channel and streamed live on the 1Sports Facebook page.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: Pravitto Raju stars with a late winner as Kenkre FC edge Madan Maharaj FC

Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football

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…

Share

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…

Share

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.

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share