The first match of the I-League Qualifiers, 2021/22 will feature Rajasthan United FC facing Ryntih SC in Bengaluru. Nine teams will compete for a spot in the upcoming I-League to be held in Kolkata. Ryntih and Bengaluru United are both part of Group A, which also includes Madan Maharaj and Bengaluru United. Hyderya FC, also part of Group A, was previously disqualified from participating in the Qualifiers for falsifying bank documents. Thus, there will only be four teams in Group A and the top two teams will proceed to the next stage.
Rajasthan United earned the right to play in the I-League Qualifiers after winning the Rajasthan State League. RUFC will have the added motivation of the chance to make history as no team from Rajasthan state has ever made it to the I-League. Under coach Vikrant Sharma, the team will be going into the league as one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Following a failed bid to enter the I-League directly last year, Ryntih FC finds itself competing in the Hero I-League Qualifiers for a chance to play in the coveted league. The squad consists of a majority of young, local players, all eager to leave their mark at the top stage. A two-month preseason was conducted by coach Khlainpyrkhat Syiemlieh before the club’s first match. The club’s trophy cabinet is loaded with a multitude of trophies won at local tournaments. There is no doubt that this team knows how to win trophies, and they will be the underdogs going into the tournament.
Anil Tomar, the assistant coach of Rajasthan United, provided insight into the club’s assessment of Ryntih SC. He said, “We know that they are a very quick team who like to build-up with short passes. We have taken these factors into account in our preparation for the game.”
Ryntih SC’s captain Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw said ahead of the clash, “We know our strengths and weaknesses as a group. Our mentality is very strong and fairly straightforward – we always try to go for a win in each match we play. It is going to be the same in this tournament. Thus, I believe that it is going to be a good competition and good experience for us.”
Match Facts
Venue – Bangalore Football Stadium in Bengaluru
Time – 15:45 IST
Telecast – Hero I-League’s official Facebook page
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