Dempo-Salgaocar derby today

MARGAO, JAN 18
An engrossing battle for supremacy is expected in the derby clash between defending champs Dempo Sports Club and Salgaocar Sports Club in a 10th round match of I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda here on Wednesday at 3.45 p.m.
The encounter holds a lot of significance for both clubs. Salgaocar are with 18 points from nine matches while Dempo are two rungs below with 16 points from the same number of encounters.
Both coaches expressed hopes that they would collect full points. But the coaches face injury worries. Dempo’s international striker Joaquim Abranches and Valeriano Rebello are recovering from injuries and a couple of key players are in the National squad.
Salgaocar will miss Ghanaian striker Yakubu Yusif and Nigerian striker Ekene Ikena, due to injuries but the coach can gain some consolation as central defender Khelamba Singh will return to bolster the defence after serving a 1-match suspension.
“The morale of my players is high and I am confident that they will play to win,” said Armando Colaco, Dempo chief coach. But he was quick to point out that any team in the competition cannot be taken lightly. “Salgaocar are a good team, but we cannot afford to relax. We have to work hard to put them under pressure. They will play their usual game and try to create chances. We have to stay focused,” Colaco stated.
Dempo will start with all three foreigners. Nigerian striker Ranty Martins and Cliffton Gonsalves will spearhead the attack, Brazilian playmaker Roberto Mendes da Silva will marshal the midfield alongwith Nigerain Ogba Kalu, Nicolau Borges and Peter Carvalho. Laximikant Kattimani will stand under the Dempo bar.
Salgaocar’s Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa is determined to play for a win. “We cannot underestimate Dempo. They are one of the best teams in the country with players who have stayed together for a couple of years. So we have to play really well,” said Bencherifa.
“We conceded silly goals against Mohun Bagan which was due to the lack of concentration. We have not played badly against Mohun Bagan in the previous match and I also apologise to the Salgaocar fans who turned up in large numbers but returned disappointed. So, I am confident that my boys will deliver the goods tomorrow,” concluded Bencherifa.
Salgaocar Japanese import Ryuji Seuoka will lead the attack with nippy runs and subtle moves and will surely keep Dempo’s defenders on their toes. Salgaocar’s waistline looks good with Manipuri Tonba Singh operating in central midfield alongwith Gilbert Oliveira, Rocus Lamare and Anthony Barbosa.