MARGAO, MARCH 9
An upbeat defending champions Dempo Sports Club are determined to maintain their winning momentum when they take on Mohun Bagan in an 18th round match of I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Thursday at 4 p.m.
Dempo chief coach Armando Colaco is keen to exploit the home conditions and play for a win. “We know the ground much better than the opposition. Keeping that in mind, we have to try and outsmart them and play for a win,” he said. The Panjim-based club has an excellent record against Mohun Bagan in the League.
“The morale of the players is very high after recording three victories in the I-League and one at the AFC Cup and I am confident that they will play to win,” stated Colaco after his team had a light training session on Wednesday.
Colaco was quick to point out that any team in the competition cannot be taken lightly.
Colaco will miss the services of Peter Carvalho who is out due to a double booking. He was optimistic about the chances of his team. “The team has been playing well and the win against Yemen’s Al Tilal in the AFC Cup was creditable. We will play our usual game and try to create chances. We have to stay focused,” Colaco went on to add.
Nigerian striker and captain Ranty Martins who has been scoring at every match will lead the attack alongwith promising striker Joaquim Abranches and will surely keep the Mohun Bagan defenders on their toes. He has been well supported by their midfield troupe of Clifford Miranda, Brazilian Roberto Mendes da Silva and Climax Lawrence. The defence will be manned by international Mahesh Gawli, Domnick Noronha, Samir Naik and Debarata Roy. Subhasish Roy Chowdhury will be under the bar.
Mohun Bagan coach Sujit Chakraborthy is hoping that good fortune will smile on his team tomorrow.
“We have a full strength team and we are going to tomorrow’s match looking for better performance from the boys to get back on track. The only concern for me is the fitness of ace Brazilian striker Jose Barretto but we will decide tomorrow whether he will be playing in the first eleven,” Chakraborthy said. The Kolkata side are expected to start with Edeh Chidi and Muritala upfront.
When questioned about the inconsistency of the firing line, Chakraborthy said, “I am hoping for an improved performance from them against Dempo. We cannot underestimate Dempo as they are one of the best teams in the country, so we have to play exceptionally well. They have some good quality players in their ranks and have performed consistently well so far in the League. So, we have to be at our very best and I have full respect for our rivals,” Chakraborthy concluded.
