MAPUSA: Churchill Bros are in danger of losing their way at the top if they do not solve their defensive woes at the earliest as they face Prayag United in a Round 20 I-League football match at Duler Stadium, here, Sunday at 3.45 p.m.
The departure of highly-rated Lebanese defender Bilal Najjarin has complicated things for Churchill, who, until two rounds ago, were the overwhelming favourites for the I-League title.
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Coach Mariano Dias’ problems at the back have been compounded due to the suspension of captain Dharamraj Ravanan, who was sent off during the last clash against Sporting Clube de Goa while Tomba Singh is nursing a knee injury.
“We will miss the partnership of Bilal and Ravanan in defence and I hope Naveen and Sanjay can keep the rival strikers at bay. It is a do-or-die match for us and three points are very vital that will boost our confidence in the race for the title,” said Dias
There is no news yet on Bilal’s replacement; a Dutch defender reportedly plying his trade in Australia, prompting The Red Machine’s to count on what will in essence only be a make-shift centre back pairing. Gurtej Singh is the only other recognized centre-back in the team.
Despite the woes, Churchill will still start favourites against Prayag United, thanks to their strength in the attacking third. Their foreign power of Brazilian midfielder Roberto Mendes da Silva, Lebanese striker Akram Moghrabi and Gabonese striker Henri Arnaud who have been in fine form and will once again have to deliver.
At the other end, all eyes will be on Nigerian striker Ranty Martins, the highest goal-getter in the competition so far. Duler is familiar ground for Ranty and, as always, he will lead from the front.
Prayag United, after some bumps in the middle, have covered lost ground after thrashing Air India 4-1 in their previous match and are now looking good enough to give the title-challengers, including Churchill Brothers, a run for their money.
Prayag United head coach Eelco Schattorie is pleased with his boys recent form and said “I am happy with the three points against Air India and now we set eyes against Churchill Brothers. I try to teach my boys about professionalism. If you get the chance to score 10 goals, you must score all ten; not four of five,” said the Dutch coach.
Churchill are second in the standings behind leaders East Bengal with 38 points having played 17 matches while Prayag are in the fifth position with 30 points from 19 outings.
Meanwhile, Air India will take on defending champions Dempo at Balewadi Stadium, Pune at 7 p.m.
Sporting will clash swords with Pailan Arrows at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, at 2 p.m.
In another match, Sikkim will look to clinch full points against an in-form ONGC at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, at 2 p.m.
