Salgaocar to maintain momentum
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARGAO, JAN 14
Salgaocar Sports Club are determined to maintain their winning momentum when they take on Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan in the ninth round match of AIFF’s 4th I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Saturday at 3.45 p.m.
Salgaocar who defeated Churchill Brothers in the previous match last Saturday are confident of continuing their good show.
Salgaocar has produced a spectacular performance and have had a decent beginning and have also shown improvement under Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa.
Salgaocar occupy the second spot with 18 points from eight matches behind table-toppers East Bengal while Mohun Bagan are precariously placed with eight points from eight matches.
Both the teams underwent gruelling practice sessions on the eve of the match at Vasco and Cuncolim ground respectively on Friday morning.
Talking to Herald on Friday morning, Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa said that he is looking for his seventh win against Mohun Bagan. “This is our home match and we have to take full advantage of the situation. The mood in the team is good and I hope they carry it into the match on Saturday. The victory in the last match has increased our confidence and I hope they will continue the trend,” concluded Karim.
Bencherifa too, faces injury worries but gained some consolation as midfielder Anthony Barbosa has returned to bolster the waistline. Central defender Khelemba Singh is out with a double booking but Nigerian striker Eekene Ikenwa and Willam Colaco were doubtful but coach Karim sounded confident of his team’s chances. His star forward Ryuji Seuoka continues to be a menace in the opponent’s box and Saturday will be no different.
In contrast, Mohun Bagan coach Sujit Chakraborthy is hoping that good fortune will finally smile on his team. He hopes to get a lucky break on Saturday. Mohun Bagan will be missing midfielder Jayanta Sen who is out due to a double booking.
“The spirit of the team is low but I am confident they will give a good account of themselves on Saturday,” said Sujit. “Salgaocar are a better prepared team and are in form. They are playing at home, so it will be very tough,” maintained Chakraborthy.
Yesterday at Cuncolim ground, technical director of Mohun Bagan, Subhash Bhowmick urged his players to kick out the fear factor. It’s about correcting the record and salvaging pride against the host team.
The technical director insisted that Salgaocar’s six-match winning run in the I-League left the Kolkata giants to do some soul searching.
If Bhowmick is seeing this as a challenge and not as pressure, it’s an obvious defence against Bencherifa, who stresses on psychological advantage and team spirit.
