TEAM HERALD
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
MARGAO: An upbeat Dempo are determined to maintain their winning momentum when they take on Pune Football Club in a 19th round I-League match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Sunday.
Dempo are confident of continuing their good showing. Coach Mauricio Afonso is keen to exploit the home conditions and play for a win. “We know the ground much better than the rivals. We have to try and outsmart them,” said Mauricio.
“The morale of the players is high and I am confident that they will play to win.”
“Pune lost the previous match to Sporting Clube de Goa, but we cannot afford to relax. We have to work hard to put them under pressure,” remarked Mauricio.
Central defender Cresson Antao who missed the match against Mumbai FC will return after serving a one-match suspension.
.Dempo’s potent weapon is the strike pair of Ranty Martins and Koko Sakibo. Climax Lawence will spearhead the midfield along with Denzil Theobald, Anthony Pereira and Clifford Miranda. The defence will have captain Mahesh Gawli, Cresson Antao, Samir Naik and Debabrata Roy.
Pune’s coach Derrick Pereira said his players had put the previous setback behind and that they will take Dempo with a positive frame of mind. They will continue to miss the services of goalkeeper Abhra Mondal and striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, both on account of injuries.
Pune’s goal scoring fortune will depend on how well Douhou Pieree, Lester Fernandez, S. Vekatesh and Karma T get around the Dempo defense.
