Bhubaneswar: After an away defeat from Ranchi Rays in their last match, Kalinga Lancers are back home and they will take on Uttar Pradesh Wizards in their fourth match of the HIL-V at the Kalinga Stadium here Sunday.
Lancers have so far played three matches and they have garnered 10 points with two outright wins and one loss. They pipped Delhi Waveriders by a solitary goal and then scraped past Ranchi Rays 4-2, before getting thrashed by the same opponent 2-7. All of their wins have come at home games. Bolstered by the cheers of the home fans Lancers all together become a different team at home.
On the other hand Wizards have so far lost their only match against Dabang Mumbai 3-4 in an away game. They have only one point in their kitty. They will definitely face a tough task against the rejuvenated Lancers here at their own den.
Lancers will definitely aim to take the full advantage of the home support and come back to their winning ways. Skipper Moritz Fuerste is upbeat about the team’s chances. “We have learnt a lot in our last game against Ranchi. I hope that all the players have learnt their lessons and eager to make amends,” The German said.
On the other hand coach Mark Hager warned the players against complacency. “We have started well in the tournament. But the players have to remember that all the teams are pretty strong and they can comeback well at any moment. So we cannot be complacent anymore. We have to give our best and maintain our momentum throughout the tournament,” he signed off.
PNN