Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
FATORDA: After playing all five away fixtures and collecting 10 points of possible 15, Dempo Sports Club aim to carry their rich form in their home fixtures as they play their first home game of Second Division I-League against Neroca FC at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday, at 4 p.m.
Results permitting, a win could further consolidate Golden Eagles’ lead at the top. Neroca FC are undefeated in the final round and are currently in second position with eight points – playing a game less than the Goan team.
Dempo SC’s strength lies in their defence, Chika Wali and Mohammed Ali have formed a perfect combo of strength and agility. Chika-Ali have shown their growth in the final round in the away fixtures and the duo will look to carry their form in Goa also.
Coach Mauricio’s midfield can be rated as one of the strongest in the league. Mandar-Romeo-Jewell have consistently performed well but Germanpreeth Singh’s performance is simply plausible and the Punjab lad has become first choice medio for Mauricio after the ISL stars and the former will aim to inflict sorrow on Neroca FC with another top-drawer display.
Dempo SC have scored just three goals in their last five games and this proves they need to covert their chances. Felix and Uttam have to regain their form in front of the goal to get the much needed results.
However, Neroca FC had beaten Dempo SC 2-0 in Imphal but Mauricio is confident that his boys will turn the tables in Goa.
“Neroca FC are a good team and they defeated us in Imphal. But the conditions are different here and we can beat them,” said Mauricio.
“The boys are in good mood and delighted to play at home. We cannot have any more slip-ups. And I’m sure the lads will get positive result for us,” said Mauricio.
Whilst Dempo SC boasts of individual brilliance, Gift Rakhan looks to upset the Goan outfit with his troop that works as a unit.
“We defeated Dempo SC in different environment and climatic conditions and now it’s different here, but we will give our best tomorrow,” said Neroca FC coach Gift Raikhan.
