As winter gregariously takes a hold of the Meghalaya's capital 1525 meters above mean sea level, the eponymous Shillong Lajong FC will look to give debutantes Gokulam FC a very frosty welcome, in their first ever bout in the I-League, when these two go face to face in a round one fixture on Monday, 27th November.
| Game | Shillong Lajong vs. Gokulam Kerala FC |
| Date | Monday, November 27 |
| Time | 8:00 PM IST (GMT +5:30) |
TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM
The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the I-League. All the matches will be telecasted Live on Star Sports 2 and HD.
| India TV channels | Online streams |
|---|---|
| Star Sports 2 | Hotstar |
Team News
SHILLONG LAJONG:
Injured - None
Doubtful - None
Key Players - Abdoulaye Koffi, Alan Deory
GOKULAM KERALA FC:
Injured - None
Doubtful - None
Key Players - Kamo Bayi, Urunov Gulom
GAME PREVIEW
This is a test of wills as much of steel for the Reds, the home side. Severing ties with Thangboi Singto after an 8-year managerial marriage, they promoted local product Bobby Nongbet into the hot seat. Will the magic of his work on the youth system of the club work on the senior squad?
Lajong head into this match the better experienced with a good pre-season in their kitty, whilst also playing in the Shillong Premier League (SPL). They've won two, lost one and drawn the other two as so far.
The home side should line-up with defenders Jung Oh and Lawrence Doe in the stratifying the rearguard ahead of Nidhin Lal.
In midfield, Daniel Odafin is expected to command central midfield, while Redeem Tlang and Aiman Saleh Al Hagri will start on either wing. Abdoulaye Koffi is expected to be the Apex predator for this game.
Gokulam Kerala, under the tutelage of Bino George are the league's newest team. The Kozhikode-based side are expected to land in Shillong braving the cold, but putting their hearts on their sleeve to bring joy to those watching in Gods Own Country.
Sushant Mathew and Kamo Stephen Bayi are two I-League experienced candidates in the attack and defence respectively. Thaivalappil Mohamed Irshad (VC) is expected tp start as well, while Rohit Mirza, the former Mumbai FC player may get a nod for his experience in the middle of the park as well. Vicky Meitei will figure in the game from the start, while
Arguably Shillong will stand up for a famous northeasterner in Shylo Malsawmtluanga, who arrives to make his Gokulam debut.
Can the men from Kerala make a telling southern contribution in the highest frontiers of the northeastern state of Meghalaya? Time will tell as kick-off can hardly be anticipated.