WIFA - The Western India Football Association

Chirag Kerala stay desperate to gain ground as they face low lying Pailan Arrows in an I-League match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on Wednesday (April 25). Chirag United Kerala who are placed third from the bottom have 17 points from 23 matches while Pailan Arrows stay on 10 points from 23 outings.

For Chirag, who stay desperate to move ahead of Mumbai FC, this is a must-win game. “This is a game we must win and we are going all out for three points against Pailan Arrows,” said Chirag manager K Prashanthan.

Chirag would be boosted by the return of star forward Anil Kumar PK. Anil makes a return after an injury that forced him out for months. He will combine with Vineeth CK who has six goals to his name this season and Gbeneme Friday who scored a hat-trick against Kingfisher East Bengal last week.

On the other hand, ‘luckless’ Pailan Arrows too stay optimistic about gaining three points from the match. Pailan’s Goalkeeping Coach Tanumoy Basu said: “The boys fought gallantly against Churchill Brothers. We were unlucky that we couldn’t win. But that has been hitting us all throughout.”

“There’s no reason why we can’t win. We have been creating openings against all opposition but we haven’t been able to convert. Conversion is something we need to improve,” he added.

Honours are even in the head-to-head records as both had a win to their credit in the last season. This season, Pailan and Chirag shared points at Kolkata.

The kick-off on April 25 is slated for 3pm.