Won’t let Aizawl walk away with title, says Thangboi Singto

New Delhi: Shillong Lajong coach Thangboi Singto vowed not to let Aizawl “walk away” with the I-League title in their crunch clash with the table-toppers on Saturday.

Aizawl beat second-placed Mohun Bagan on April 24 to go clear at the top on 36 points. With a final round of matches to go, they are only a point away from their maiden I-League triumph, becoming the first North-eastern team to do so.

“We look forward to giving Aizawl FC a tough fight. They have not won the title as yet but we will not let Aizawl walk in and take away the title. It will be a very tightly contested clash between both the teams,” Singto said on Wednesday.

He said the North-east derby has its own charm and he would not mind Lajong turning into party poopers. “It’s the North-east Derby — our match against Aizawl FC and we are gearing up in that fashion. We know Aizawl FC have a lot at stake and we plan to make it even more difficult for them.”

Singto, however, praised their opponents’ consistency. “They have been extremely consistent this season. That is why they are on the top of the table at the moment. They have played attacking football and their team game has been a highlight,” he added.

Mohun Bagan play Chennai City FC on Saturday. A win for them coupled with a defeat for Aizawl will see them become champions. Singto said the schedule was a treat for neutral supporters.

“It will be a treat for the neutrals and for every football fan in India. The fans will have to keep one eye for on Mohun Bagan’s match (vs Chennai City FC) and one eye on the North-east derby. It is as exciting as it gets – the perfect climax for the I-League.”

Singto believes there will be a shift in power if Aizawl win the tournament.