MARGAO, JAN 7
An exciting contest is on the cards when Churchill Brothers take on Salgaocar Sports Club in an eighth round match of AIFF’s 4th I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Saturday at 3.4 5 p.m.
Salgaocar are second with 15 points from seven matches while Churchill have 13 points from the same number of encounters.
Hoping to maintain their position, Churchill and Salgaocar are determined to adopt a positive attacking approach and will go all out to grab full three points. Churchill’s coach Vincent Subramanian and his Salgaocar counterpart Karim Bencherifa admitted that Saturday’s clash was a big one for both sides.
Churchill’s Vincent Subramanian is aware of Salgaocar’s capabilities and put his players through a strenuous training session at Cuncolim ground on Friday evening. At the end of the practice session Subramanian seemed quite satisfied. “We have to be fully prepared since each team is fighting to do well. Tomorrow’s encounter is big for us as there is no much difference between the two teams. The team which capitalises on the defence to score goals and cuts down on the errors will emerge victorious,” Subramanian stated.
While Lalit Thapa will take charge under the bar, scoring machine Odafe Okolie and Durga Boro will spearhead the attack. New Zealand’s Kayne Vincent will marshal the midfield along with Zaaker Mundampara, Lenny Rodrigues, Charan Rai and Israil Gurung. Rowilson Rodrigues will have a big role to play at the back.
“Churchill Brothers are a good side and it’s going to be very difficult for us. We will try out best to record a win as we want to move ahead. We are keen to be on the top and stay closer to the leader. The spirit in the team is good and I hope they carry it into the match on Saturday. I am confident that my boys will give a good account of themselves on Saturday,” commented Bencherifa.
Salgaocar also aim to keep Churchill Brothers rampaging striker Odafe under control. Churchill Brothers will miss striker Binesh Balan while Salgaocar will go ahead without midfielder Anthony Barbosa due to two yellow card bookings.
Karanjit Singh will be under the Salgaocar bar while the goalline will be shielded by the quartet of Jaspal Parmar, Irungbam Meitei, Syed Farid and Luciano Sabrosa.
The strikers can expect to be fed by the half which is likely to comprise Cajetan Fernandes, Rocus Lamare, Gilbert Oliveira and Francis Fernandes.
The Moroccan is confident that his strikers – Ghanian Yakubu and Japan import Ryuji Sueoka will provide the punch in the attack.
