MARGAO: Salgaocar’s fine run of six wins in seven matches will be under threat as they meet arch-rivals Dempo in the I-League Goa Derby at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday, at 3.30 p.m.
Dempo enjoy a psychological advantage as they scored a solitary goal win in the opening game of the I-League and had looked the better team of the two since the start of the competition. However, Salgaocar have been the team to beat for the last seven matches and have collected more points than any other team, 19 in the competition. Their onl;y drawback, if one call it that, has been a draw against Mohun Bagan.
“It will not be the same surely. They are a very good team and will, as usual, complicate things for us,” admitted Dempo assistant coach Mauricio Afonso.
Mauricio is expected to field a strong side and hand over starts to Nigerian strikers Ranty Martins and Koko Sakibo.
“This match becomes all the more crucial because Salgaocar too would be nursing hopes of moving on top. It’s imperative that we collect points and move further away from our challengers,” said Afonso, who is now deputising for Armando Colaco who remains hospitalised.
Except for Rowilson Rodrigues, Dempo will be at full-strength against their arch-rivals.
Promising striker Joaquim Abranches has recovered from injury and will figure in the playing 18. The return of Mahesh Gawli will strengthen Dempo defense.
Salgaocar, the defending champions, have covered lost ground in the last seven matches, picking up an astonishing 19 points. Their only setback has been a draw against Mohun Bagan in Kolkata and coach Karim Bencherifa will be more than keen to continue the fine run.
Coach Bencherifa was very happy after the training session. “Both teams play a very good brand of soccer that makes for an exciting clash. I have a lot of belief in my boys. They have shown great progress and determination after their initial slump and the huge victory against Churchill has given the boys greater confidence. I hope they will continue with the trend,” added Bencherifa.
Rino Anto who has a double booking.
Bencherifa was sad that his counterpart Armando was hospitalized. “I wish him speedy recovery and hope he will be back soon.”
Nigerian striker Edeh Chidi and Japanese import Ryuji Sueoka will spearhead the attack. Tomba Singh will marshal the midfield along with Rocus Lamare, Francis
Fernandes and Ishaf Ahmed while Brazilian Luciano Sorbosa will have to play a big role along with Irungbami Meitei, Jaspal Parmar and Biswajit Saha.
Dempo are leading the league title race with 36 points and should they put it across Salgaocar, the former champions would have opened an incredible nine point gap at the top of the table. Salgaocar (28 points) too have everything to play for.
