Dempo on a high: Gawli
l Match against Lebanon’s Al Ansar on Tuesday
HERALD SPORTS reporter
Panjim, March 11 : Dempo Sports Club International defender Mahesh Gawli claims that the defending I-League champions’ emphatic victory over old foes Mohun Bagan will create a huge impact as they defend their title. Dempo were tottering after 11 matches and even lost to minnows Air India but since then, Armando Colaco’s side is yet to drop points.
The resounding win over the Kolkata giants took the Goan outfit within six points of League leaders Salgoacar Sports Club and Mahesh is thrilled with the big win. “Going into the match, we were in such a situation that we had to win the tie at any cost, anything less than that could be a debacle. It was a massive match for us and each one of us knew about it. Mohun Bagan were not an easy opponent having international star players and foreigners of quality but we made a perfect start, converted most of the chances, kept ball possesion, defended well and in the end it was an exciting win,” explained Mahesh, who was not expecting such a booming victory.
Dempo will fly on Saturday afternoon to Lebanon for the AFC Cup tie against Al Ansar on Tuesday and the Cuncolim-born stopper disclosed that his team will repeat their past performance in Lebanon. “We have always done well there. This competition is very crucial for us and on this occasion I feel that we will do again what we have done in the past. The team’s morale and conduct is exceptional, it’s a pleasant phase and we have won seven matches on the run including the AFC tie against Al Tilal. It will be vital to maintain this momentum. There will be a break for us in the League but the AFC commitments continue, so we have to preserve this stage and remain focused on the coming tie,” asserted the former Jarnail Singh award winner for the best Indian defender.
The Indian champions are currently second with three points in the group after the opening round win against Al Tilal of Yemen. Al Nasaf of Uzbekistan are on the top with a better goal average.
Dempo on a high: Gawli
Panjim, March 11 : Dempo Sports Club International defender Mahesh Gawli claims that the defending I-League champions' emphatic victory over old foes Mohun Bagan will create a huge impact as they defend their title. Dempo were tottering after 11 matches and even lost to minnows Air India but since then, Armando Colaco's side is yet to drop points.
