Dempo look to maintain lead
i-league preview
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARGAO, APRIL 15
Former champions Dempo Sports Club are confident of earning full points from their 21st round match of ONGC I-League when they meet Kolkata’s Chirag United at Nehru stadium, Fatorda tomorrow (Friday).
With just five rounds to go, Dempo need to garner as many points as possible to ensure that they don’t slip down the standings. Dempo have 38 points from 20 matches and a win on Friday will ensure that they would inch closer to the title. Chirag have 31 points from the same encounters and occupy the fourth spot.
Dempo buoyed by their fluent 1-0 win over East Bengal last week are determined to move forward against Chirag, who have not performed well in their previous game.
Dempo’s strong point has been their midfield marshalled by captain Anthony Pereira and with Robert Mendes da Silva, Clifford Miranda and Climax Lawrence. Dempo’s coach Armando Colaco is confident that his boys will dominate the midfield and they will not provide space to the rival attackers.
Abhijit Mondal will be at the goal while the goal scoring responsibility will rest on Ranty Martins and Joaquim Abranches.
“The boys are playing well but I hope they capitalize on the chances. The midfield and forwards are combining well and the strikers have shown good form. I am confident that we will deliver tomorrow,” said Colaco
“We have to focus on winning three points and will play our usual game and try to create chances. However, I have full respect for our opponents, who are also fighting for the title,” added Colaco.
The purple brigade is keen to snatch a point. “We don’t want to lose our away matches. We will be happy with a win, if not a draw,” added Anjan
Anjan will miss the services of goalkeeper Sandip Nandi, who has been red carded and injured S Malswamtuluanga. Somnath Khara will replace Sandip Nadu under the bar.
Chirag too has an able strike force of Brazilians Edmilson Marques and Josimar Da Silva Martins. Captain Denson Devdas will play a lead role.
