Aizawl finished fifth in I-League and was guaranteed a direct qualification into the final round of Super Cup. They are set to face Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday in the Round of 16.
Head coach Santosh Kashyap seemed confident ahead of the game and believes that the Southern outfit will be under pressure since they are the ISL champions.
"We are a young team and we are playing one of the best teams. Any team can beat any team any day. They have the pressure of being the champions. I am confident that we can cope up with the pressure and try to perform to our best.
"I have a good team with young and experienced players. We were on the brink of relegation but we had a good run towards the end and finished fifth and qualified directly for the Super Cup. We can do well," stated Kashyap on the eve of the clash.
The former Mumbai FC coach has no problem with the format of the tournament and thinks it is a great idea following a league season.
"It is a separate tournament. You can’t compare it with leagues. It is always good to have a league and a knockout tournament. So it is good," opined Kashyap.
The 51-year old gaffer acknowledged that it is a problem for teams from the hilly region to adapt to the hot climate of the plains but seemed confident that his team can overcome the challenge.
"It is always challenging for teams who are accustomed to cold climates. I was there in Royal Wahingdoh as well. Since it is an 8 pm match, it should be easier. It will be challenging but it should not be a problem. It is a fantastic field and I think the environment will be great," signed off Kashyap.