MARGAO: Last year’s runners-up Sporting Clube de Goa will draw inspiration from their previous match victory against Royal Wahingdoh FC when they take on eight times champions East Bengal in a Group A league encounter of Hero Federation Cup championship, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday, at 7 p.m.
The Flaming Oranje eked out a narrow 2-1 win against the Shillong side and will need to do better against a stronger and experienced side. One match changed all that. The win against Royal WFC on Sunday seem to have recharged weary muscles and sagging spirits of Sporting Clube, who are at the bottom, there’s strong belief that together they will overcome and keep their hopes alive.
The Flaming Oranje new coach Mathew D’Costa has the resources to throw down the gauntlet to their rivals.
The front line includes Trinidad and Tobago striker Anthony Wolfe and Vitorino Fernandes. The former scored his first goal against Royal WFC. Their defence will be marshalled by Kofi Dankwae and Nigerian Ogba Kalu in the midfield.
East Bengal too had an ordinary start in the prestigious tournament with only four points from the three matches. Fatigue and inconsistent attacks have not augured well for East Bengal, in contrast having drawn previous match against Mumbai FC.
East Bengal need nothing short of three points though they might sneak in if some permutation and combination go in their favour.
“We need to win this match at any cost,” experienced campaigner Armando Colaco told Herald on Tuesday on the eve of the match.
“Sporting Clube have proved their worth in the last match and we have to be on our guard, it’s their home after all,” said Colaco, who powered Dempo Sports Club to five I-League crown and will have to use skills to regain their lost pride and glory.
However, when questioned on the inconsistency of the firing line, Colaco said, “I’m hoping for an improved performance from my boys against Flaming Oranje.”
