NEROCA and Mumbai Kenkre lock horns in a battle for survival

IMPHAL: After a solid win against Hero I-League holders Gokulam Kerala, NEROCA FC host fellow relegation-battlers Mumbai Kenkre FC at the Khuman Lampak Stadium on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, with the kick-off slated for 4:30 pm IST.
As the league enters its closing stages, the battle for survival is heating up. Mumbai Kenkre might be occupying the relegation spots, but have won against leaders Sreenidi Deccan and drawn with second-placed RoundGlass Punjab over the past couple of weeks. The 10th-placed NEROCA are just three points above the Mumbaikars but are one of the most in-form sides in the league, with 10 points in their last five games. At home, the Orange Brigade have won their last three in a row and will be looking to keep that run going on Wednesday.
Addressing the media at the pre-match press conference, NEROCA head coach Wangkhem Khogen Singh said, “Tomorrow, it’s another home game for us, and an important one in a neck-and-neck relegation battle. If we win tomorrow, we will be in a different scenario. We are preparing well and plan to win the game.”
NEROCA beat Mumbai Kenkre 1-0 in the reverse fixture at the Cooperage back in November thanks to main striker Jourdain Fletcher’s solitary strike. But Khogen believes the current Kenkre side is a better one in terms of form because of the new additions they’ve made to their squad. However, given NEROCA’s confidence following the win against Gokulam and the backing of fans at home, the Indian coach feels his side will get a positive result.
Mumbai Kenkre assistant coach Managesh Desai talked highly about their opponents but also maintained confidence in his men. “NEROCA have done really well in their last three games, especially against Gokulam. We are prepared and have come here with a plan. In our last two home games, we got two good results and hopefully, we can replicate our home form on the road,” Desai said.
“At this stage of the season, it’s important to win all our matches till the last round. We hope to do exactly that, starting from tomorrow,” he added.
NEROCA vs Kenkre FC, the match will be broadcast live on Eurosport and Doordarshan Sports and streamed live on the Discovery Plus OTT platform at 4:30 pm IST.
Also Read: Gracious hosts and ruthless competitors: Odisha set sights on Hero Santosh Trophy
Also Read: Late Sane strike sinks Mohammedan Sporting
Football News / Indian Super League
Reebok Returns to Football with John Abraham’s NorthEast United FC
Kicking off a powerful new chapter in Indian football, Reebok, a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel, has announced a strategic partnership with NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC). Owned…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
FIFA Women’s World Cup the next mountain to climb for the Blue Tigresses
It’s been four days since India’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. But the dust from the celebrations isn’t settling anytime soon, and the women’s football…
East Bengal to play Bangalore’s South United in opener as 134th IndianOil Durand Cup fixtures and groups announced
The 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, will kick off on July 23rd, 2025, with Emami East Bengal FC facing Bengaluru-based South United FC (SUFC) at the iconic Vivekananda…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / AIFF / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
AIFF has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand. The…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF charts roadmap for Indian women’s national team after historic Asian Cup qualification
The All India Football Federation President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, on Friday, July 11, 2025, convened a meeting with Deputy Secretary General, Mr M. Satyanarayan, Technical Director, Mr. Syed Sabir Pasha,…
Durand Cup returns to Imphal with a grand trophy tour
Imphal welcomed the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup trophies with a grand trophy tour as Asia’s oldest football tournament returned to Manipur’s capital after a two-year hiatus. The three trophies of the…
India U20 women’s coach Joakim Alexandersson names 24-member travelling squad for Uzbekistan friendlies
The Indian U20 women’s team will play two friendly matches in Tashkent against Uzbekistan U20 women on July 13 and 16, 2025, as part of their preparations for the AFC…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…