Maverick Martins
PANJIM: African minnows Sao Tome and Principe begin their campaign against strong side Sri Lanka on Tuesday at the Tilak Maiden, Vasco, 5.30 p.m. Sao Tome will look to put up a good show against Lanka who needs only a draw to make it into the semis.
Sri Lanka are confident after an impressive display against Macau in the first match. Their coach Kolonnage Perera says we are very confident of making it into the semis after our performance against Macao. We will go for a win as we want to top the group. If Sri Lanka wins they will top the group and face Mozambique or Goa-India in the semi finals. However, Lankan coach has already admitted that Os mambas are favourites to win the tournament. He would prefer facing them for Gold medal rather than the semi finals.
Osvaldo Costa, Sao Tome and Principe coach also sounded very confident with his young squad. He said that the boys have had some good practice sessions and ready to fight for Lusofonia glory. There are no favorites and all 5 teams in the tournament have a chance. We will go out there and give it our best on the field, he added.
Costa’s team was keeping a close watch on Sri Lanka and Macau in the opener from the stands. But he will have to be at his tactical best to keep the young lions at bay, who displayed an attacking brand of football in their opener.
