TEAM HERALD

sports@herald-goa.com

MARGAO Arial, sans-serif;">: Defending champions Dempo Sports Club are determined to maintain their winning momentum when they take on Shillong Lajong Football Club in a fifth round I-League match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday, at 6 p.m.

Dempo defeated Lajong in the Federation Cup and are confident of continuing their winning streak against the club. Dempo chief coach Armando Colaco who has stuck to the winning combination in the last four encounters has decided to stick to his trusted starting 11. They were impressive against Churchill Bros, Sporting Clube de Goa and Sikkim United Club.

The morale of the players is high and we will play or a win,” said Colaco after the team’s training session at University ground, Taleigao, Friday morning. At the end of the practice session, Colaco seemed quite satisfied. We have to be fully prepared since each team is fighting to do well,” he said. “We have to focus on winning three points,” added Coalco.

Dempo will sorely miss the services of their Nigerian striker Koko Sakibo who has been ruled out for three months owing to rib injury. To add to their misery, dependable central defender Mahesh Gawli will also have to sit out due to a groin injury. However, Colaco is still hoping that his team will come out victorious on Saturday.

“Injuries are a part of the game. Yes, we will miss the services of Sakibo and Gawli but we still have match winners in Joaquim Abranches and Rowilson Rodrigues. We will not take Lajong lightly. I have full respect for them as they have defeated a high budget team like Prayag United,” Colaco stated.

Dempo who have 10 points from four matches will start with two foreigners –Japanese striker Ryuji Sueoka, who will spearhead the attack alongwith Jaoquim Abranches and England’s Rohan Rickets, who will marshal the midfield alongwith Clifford Miranda, Peter Carvalho and Anthony Pereira.

It is going to be a tough match opines Lajong coach Desmond Bulpin. We cannot underestimate them. Dempo are one of the best teams in the country. Moreover they are playing at home and to be fair they are the superior team. So we have to play really well and be ready for them,” added Blupinwho.

Lajong have seven points from four matches. They have two foreigners available for tomorrow’s match – Friday Gbenene and Ebi Sukore.

With no injuries, it is unlikely Lajong will make changes unless necessary and depending on their strategies. “Stick to the basics. Keep it simple and concentrate on attacks,” is what Coach Bulpin advised his team.