Rajasthan, Aizawl cross swords at Ambedkar Stadium | Popgen Tech

AIFF media team

NEW DELHI: Rajasthan United FC will meet Aizawl FC in their Hero I-League 2022-23 match at Dr. Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday (December 20, 2022), with kick-off scheduled for 7 PM IST.

After enjoying a decent start to the season where they picked up 10 points from their first five games, Rajasthan United have only added one point to their total in their last three games, stumbling into the bottom half of the table, in seventh . After dropping points against Mumbai Kenkre (1-1), Gokulam Kerala (0-1) and TRAU FC (1-3), the Desert Warriors will be hoping to regain a touch of form as they host Aizawl FC in the high-flying they next game.

The People’s Club, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last four games, picking up eight points in the process. They will come into this match on top of a dominant 4-0 win over Mumbai Kenkre FC.

The two sides have met only once where Rajasthan United picked up all three points thanks to an Aman Thapa winner last season.

Addressing the media at the press conference, Rajasthan United head coach Pushpender Kundu believes that being back on home soil could give a boost to the players.

“It’s always hard to come from behind, but I know my boys are strong physically and mentally. We are happy to be back on home soil and will do our best to get the three points before the break.”

Kundu spoke more about the Mizo club and their next opponents, “I always admire Mizoram football, and especially Aizawl, who have delivered in the previous I-League seasons. We must not forget that they are former champions and they have quality players who are very hungry,” Kundu said.

The match will be a special occasion for Rajasthan midfielder Zimo Vanlalzahawma, who also happens to be from Mizoram.

“(I’m) very excited that we will play Aizawl, and our main reason is to pick up the three points in front of our home fans.”

Zimo explained that the desert warriors are going through a rough patch, and being back on familiar home territory could once again strengthen the squad.

“The two straight losses were difficult for us, but we recovered. Now we are back in Delhi, and the players have motivated each other a lot in training recently. We have to move forward and give it our best,” he said .

Aizawl FC head coach Caetano Pinho feels his recent win against Kenkre FC has given his players a boost.

“The players are eager and happy after our last victory, and we want to build on this momentum to get maximum points in the next match. Rajasthan is not an easy team to beat, but we will give it our all,” said Pinho.

Pinho stressed the importance of focusing on the game that his side wants to play.

“We just want to show our own brand of football. Of course, we have enough respect for our opponents, but we will go for victory.”

Lalchhanlima Sailo, who made a brace against Mumbai Kenkre, said, “It is never easy for any team to perform away from home. Besides, Rajasthan United is a strong side, so it will be tough in Delhi. But we also play as a cohesive unit, and that is our greatest strength. Tomorrow would be no different.”

The match between Rajasthan United and Aizawl FC will start at 7 PM IST at the Ambedkar Stadium, and will be telecast live on Eurosport and Doordarshan Sports, and will be streamed live on the Discovery Plus OTT platform.