Churchill Brothers favourites

MARGAO, JAN 17
As Churchill Brothers Sports Club coach Vincent Subramanian is taking cellar and winless, Air India lightly. The Airmen languish at the bottom and ahead of 10th round of AIFF’s fourth I-League will look forward for victory, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday, at 3.45 p.m.
The teams had practice sessions at the Cuncolim ground, on Monday evening.
With Churchill Brothers occupying the second spot with 16 points from nine matches, will try to topple the table-toppers East Bengal to move atop.
Talking about the team’s strength, Subramanian said, “All the teams in the league are of equal strength and no one is invincible.”
“We need to settle down early and score goals as early as possible and stay focussed throughout the match,” he added.
Subramanian, however faces some injury concerns. Leading scorer Odafe Okolie is ruled out as he is yet to recover from his thigh injury.
“This is our home match and we have to take full advantage of the situation.”
Churchill’s strike force will consist of New Zealand striker Kayne Vincent and Binesh Balan. Australian striker Bhoimic Karpcha and Brazilian Amouri are expected to play if the Internal Transfer Certificates come in time.
Both the players have been training with the team for the last two months.
Air India will sorely miss the services of goalkeeper Arup Debnath and striker Alex Ambrose, who have been ruled out due to injuries.
However, Air India coach Santosh Kashayap has put up a brave front and is still hoping that his team will come good on Tuesday.
“Injuries are part of the game, and Churchill Brothers are strong opponents. We need to play well against them and although my team has not been getting positive results, I’m confident of boys putting a good show tomorrow,” Kashayap informed.
Air India coach is looking for his maiden victory after five draws and four losses.