MARGAO, DEC 29
Dempo Sports Club are hoping for a better outcome from their fifth home match when they take on Chirag United in a sixth round encounter of I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Thursday at 3.45 p.m.
After having recorded an unimpressive 1-0 win over Mumbai Football Club in the their last match, Dempo chief coach Armando Colaco is determined to earn full three points against the Kolkata outfit.
The two sides are tied on eight points each from five matches but the home team is above the visiting team on a goal difference.
Dempo have struggled to maintain consistency. Injuries to key players and National commitments has taken their toll. Nonetheless, they have managed to rise whenever the chips are down and on Thursday Colaco will be looking up to his boys to turn their fortune around after two wins, two draws and a loss.
“We have to go all out for a win and I hope my boys give their best. We are confident of notching a win but Chirag United is not a team that can be taken lightly,” said Colaco.
Colaco was optimistic of his team’s chances. “We have a good chance to bag three points. This is our home match and the boys have been shaping well. I also hope that the strikers capitalise on the chances that come up and put Chirag under pressure. Our defenders will also have to combine well to keep the Chirag attackers at bay. Chirag United are a well organised side and they are capable of tearing any defence,” stated Colaco.
Brazilians Roberto Mendes da Silva and Nigerian Ogba Klau can also be a handful by whipping in some perfect crosses for strikers Ranty Martins and Cliffton Gonsalves to take advantage of.
Chirag United will be happy that Dempo’s promising striker Joaquim Abranches is out due to injury.
Chirag United coach Sanjoy Sen was wary of the defending champions. “I have great respect for Dempo. They have quality, balance and a very set side which is capable of beating any team in the country. Dempo are always a dangerous side when playing at home,” said Sanjay mentioned.
The Kolkata side is keen to snatch at least a point. “We don’t want to lose away matches. We will be happy with a win, if not at least a draw. Chirag have no new injury worries. We had good practice sessions at Cuncolim ground on Wednesday. So supporters can expect a better performance from us. My main worry is the wayward shooting of their foreign imports Brazilians Josimar da Silva Martins and Nigerian Junior Elijah,” concluded Sanjay.
