TRAU FC look to seal top-six spot against newcomers Sudeva Delhi

This will be the last game of the round-robin phase for teams in the I-League

Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) will look to end the first stage on a high note and secure their place in the top-six of the Hero I-League when they face Sudeva Delhi FC at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Kalyani, West Bengal tomorrow (February 28, 2021). The match will kick-off at 4.05 PM IST and will be broadcasted on the 1Sports channel, whilst being streamed live on their Facebook page.

Sudeva Delhi were beaten 1-0 by Gokulam Kerala FC and moved out of contention for the top six as Chencho Dorji’s side now sits in 8th place with 9 points from 9 games. Being their first-ever season, Sudeva Delhi is immune from relegation. This, however, will not stop the Delhi side from aiming at all three points from TRAU and finishing the first stage of the league on a high note.

Speaking at the virtual pre-match press conference, head coach Chencho Dorji, said, “We learn a lot from every game. To be on the losing side is very difficult. Regardless of the results, our journey still goes on and we want to play good football and gather as many points possible from the remaining games.”

“Every opponent has their unique qualities. We need to focus on playing our natural game against TRAU. It will be hard to get chances against them. We respect them as opponents, and what they have achieved this season. I am hoping we can get three points and return to winning ways.”

Defender Sairuat Kima said, “All of us are disappointed after the last game because we know we could have done much better, and now we cannot go into the top six. As a team with such young potential, our mindset now is to improve as much as we can and are looking forward to the match against TRAU.”

TRAU revived themselves with a morale-boosting 5-1 win over the Indian Arrows. Now, the Red Pythons sit fifth in the Hero I-League standings with 13 points. While a draw might be sufficient only if, either or both Mohammedan and Aizawl FC drop points; the equation is simple for Nandakumar’s side — win and secure a spot in the top half of the table.

Speaking at the official pre-match press conference, head coach Nandakumar said, “I am very much pleased with our result from the performance against Indian Arrows. But, we cannot afford to rejoice just yet. We have another hurdle before we get to the next stage. I will be a happy man once we get a positive result tomorrow.”

“At the start of the season, I believed that we would be in the top-six for the maximum time and that was our main objective. The players have given their best to stay in the top half of the Hero I-League standings, and I am satisfied with where we are as a team.”

“I really like the setup that Sudeva has. They have experienced Indian players. In most games, they have played with courage and drew against heavyweights like Real Kashmir, Punjab, and Aizawl. They have an energetic team, and I expect it to be a tough game,” Nandakumar shared praising his next opponent.

Defender Helder Ribeiro was also present at the press conference. He said, “We are glad about the last result. We need to build on that and move into the top-four of the Hero I-League. We are in a positive mindset ahead of the next game and want another win against Sudeva.”

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