TEAM HERALD

sports@herald-goa.com

MARGAO: Churchill Bros coach Mariano Dias is determined to record their second win on-the-trot when they clash with Mumbai Football Club in a third round I-League football encounter at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Saturday, at 5.30 p.m.

“The morale is high and I am confident that we will give our best and get a positive result,” expressed Mariano Dias, after a light training session at SAG ground, Assolna, Friday. But he was quick to point out that any team in the competition could not be taken lightly. “There is no weak or strong team. Mumbai Football Club are low on confidence at the moment but we cannot afford to relax. We have to work hard to put them under pressure. There are no injury worries and we will field our best side. We won the previous match against ONGC and want to maintain our winning momentum,” added Mariano.

Mariano stated that they would play their usual game and try to create chances. “We have to stay focussed,” he added.

Lebanese Akram Moghrabi or Hemri Autochet will spearhead the attack. Brazilian Roberto Mendes Da Silva  will marshal the midfield alongwith international Lenny Rodrigues, Tomba Singh and Steven Dias. Goalkeeper Sandip Nandy will look to continue his brilliant form under the crossbar. Bilal Najjarine, international Denzil Franco, Ravanan Dhamaraj will also feature in the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Mumbai’s coach Khalid Jamil hopes that luck will finally smile on his team. Mumbai are searching for their first win after two losses. They will rely on Ghana workaholic striker Yakabu Yusif, Nigerian ND Opara and Abhishek Yadav to deliver the goods upfront.

“The two-week break has been a blessing. It has helped the players to plug loose ends and they are looking to challenge Churchill Bros tomorrow,” said manager Henry Picardo.

“The losses have not dampened our spirits. To be fair, they (Churchill Bros) are the better prepared and a superior side. Moreover, they are playing at home. But we know we can challenge them,” maintained Picardo.

“We want to snatch at least a point. We don’t want to lose our away match,” added Picardo.

With both teams raring to go, an interesting contest is on the cards.