Margao, Feb 26: Table toppers Salgaocar SC are hoping to extend their lead and inch closer to the title when they take on debutants Oil and Natural Gas Commissions (ONGC) Mumbai in the 16th round of AIFF‘S 4th I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on February 27 at 4 p.m.
Coach Karim Bencherifa knows the importance of the match and he is confident that his boys will be able to deliver the goods at Fatorda. With tricky matches against Churchill Brothers and Dempo ahead, Salgaocar can’t afford to lose any point. “It is dangerous playing against ONGC, specially from the position they are at the moment. They will try their level best to overcome us but we have to be ready for it,” said Karim.
Bencherifa expects to field an unchanged line-up. Japanese Ryuji Sueoka and Ghanaian veteran striker Yakubu Yusif will lead the attack and both will surely keep the ONGC defenders on their toes. Salgaocar’s supply line will have Tomba Singh operating in the central midfield with upcoming Gilbert Oliveira, Francis Fernandes and Anthony Barbosa giving him support.
ONGC have an uphill task on their hands if they have to avoid relegation.
