I-League: NEROCA, Aizawl eye comeback in NE derby

Aizawl FC

were dealt a heavy blow in their last match of the

I-League

when they were held to a draw by Indian Arrows after

AIFF

's developmental side scored the equalizer in the dying minutes of the game.

The former champions will now hope to make a comeback in their next game and grab all the three points of offer as they face off against

NEROCA FC

in their fourth match of the league on Saturday.

If they win their season's first northeast derby, they will jump back into the top half of the table. For that to happen Aizawl will have to improve their performance manifold.

First, they will have to work on their goal scoring abilities. They have been creating chances but have failed to convert them and it's something that hurt them even in their opener against Punjab FC. Also, they will have to stay focussed till the very end and it's something their new coach Yan Law also spoke of during the virtual press conference on Friday.

"In the last game there was a lack of concentration towards the end and we also underestimated our opposition. But this is not something that will happen again, and this draw will help us in going forward," said Law.

Despite being held, both Ramhlunchhunga and Rohmingthanga Bawlte impressed on the wings. MC Masawmzuala, who scored against

Gokulam Kerala

, also looked good at times but he will have to do better for Aizawl to win against NEROCA.

Gift Raikhan's men are sitting just above Aizawl in the league table because of a better goal difference and are also eyeing a comeback after they were handed a heavy defeat by Kerala in their last game. Their defence fell flat on its face as they conceded four goals.

As far as Raikhan is concerned, he is really hoping that the defence will do a good job this around. "We need to defend as a team and be solid at the back. We cannot afford to be callous against Aizawl in defence because they can really punish us with their style of play," said the coach.

But NEROCA are not to be taken lightly and Law is quite aware of that. "NEROCA are a fantastic team and are not to be underestimated. They are a young bunch of boys with some good foreigners. Also, Gift has been in the I-League for a couple of seasons, and he knows the tournament well," added Law.

As for the coach's availability on the dugout, he is still not sure if he will be able to make it because he is still in quarantine and is yet to get the permission from AIFF.