Sreenidi Deccan FC will play their first home match of the I-League 2022-23 season against TRAU FC at the newly-built Deccan Arena, here on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Both sides head into the contest on the back of solid wins in their previous matches. Sreenidi Deccan edged out Churchill Brothers 3-2 in a thrilling contest in Bambolim on Sunday while TRAU put on a flawless performance at home to beat Mumbai Kenkre 3-0 on Monday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sreenidi Deccan head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto was elated with their first win of the season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Three points away from home against a good team gives us a lot of confidence. We didn't just control the match but dominated it. I'm very happy with my team's performance," Pinto said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Portuguese, hoping to notch a win in the inaugural I-League match at the brand new Deccan Arena, gave his assessment of their opponents for Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"TRAU have done well in their matches so far. I think they might try to keep a clean sheet and play on the counter against us because it's their away match. We have to be focused and play the game we want to play," the coach said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the other hand, Pinto's counterpart and TRAU FC head coach Nandakumar Singh is equally glad with his side's display so far.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We have had a good start to the season. Our boys morale is high after the big win over Mumbai Kenkre. It was a very exciting match in front of our fans," Singh said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tajik forward Komron Tursunov notched two goals, including a thunderous strike from 35 yards out, in his first start of the season after returning from international duty. Nandakumar is well aware of just how important the 26-year-old is for the Red Pythons.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Komron has been with TRAU for a few years now. We know of his terrific goal scoring ability. He is very happy with us and I hope he will do even better in the coming matches. We want to keep this momentum going. Sreenidi is a very well-balanced team, so tomorrow we're expecting a tough and competitive match with high intensity," said Nandakumar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nandakumar led TRAU to a sensational third-place finish in his first full season with the club in 2020-21. The 62-year-old is now determined to do even better.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We want to lift the Hero I-League trophy this season," he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n