PANJIM: Dempo Sports Club begin their pursuit for promotion in I-league as they take on Gangtok Himalayan FC in the first round match of the final phase of Second Division I-League in Sikkim, on Saturday. The match kicks-off at 2 p.m. in Gangtok.
The five-time national champions finished their first round of the league second best, behind leaders Minerva Academy but coach Mauricio Afonso has made his intentions clear before he set his journey to play their away matches that their aim is to finish top and qualify for the I-League.
“We have to take each match at a time. We want to take maximum points keeping in mind our goal that is to qualify for the I-League,” said Afonso.
Gangtok Himalayan have also finished second in their group behind Mohammedan Sporting. The club was formed in 2015. Albeit they lacked the experience, the team full of local talent has shown great teamwork and determination which helped them to qualify in the final phase in their first competitive season.
Though the team doesn’t have any international players, the local talent can prove a serious threat to Mauricio’s men in their fortress.
However, on paper, Dempo SC appears strongest as compared to any other team in the league. Kattimani in the goal, Debabrata, Chika Wali, Mohammed Ali, Nickson Castanha, Meldon D’Silva in defence. Furthermore the midfield seems even stronger with Shaikh Jewell Raja, Holicharan Narzary, Vinit, Peter Carvalho, and the return of Mandar Rao Dessai and Romeo Fernandes has even bolstered the squad even more. Felix, Uttam Rai and Beevan D’Mello will play upfront.
After nearly being out of action for three months, Dempo SC winger Mandar Rao Dessai was delighted to be back into the squad.
“I was waiting to play for my team and now that I’m cleared of the ban, I am very much delighted to play along with Romeo for Dempo SC,” said the speedy left-winger.
“We missed the first phase and now we have to give our best. I will try my best to help my team to qualify in every way possible. That’s my main goal at the moment.” added Mandar.
Romeo Fernandes and Madar Rao Dessai have cleared the three months suspension imposed by the AIFF and are likely to start the game for the Golden Eagles.
