VASCO: Sporting Clube de Goa’s dream run in the second leg of I-League will be complete if they manage a win against Mumbai FC in their concluding clash at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, Saturday.
Sporting Clube, before Spanish coach Oscar Bruzon took over, were languishing at the bottom of the pool and were fighting to save relegation. The Spanish’s coach arrival, however, changed the fortunes of the club who are now close to securing a sixth spot.
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Sporting Clube have 34 points in their kitty and a win over Mumbai FC will guarantee them the sixth spot. Although, should Dempo lose their concluding match against Salgaocar FC, they will have the same number of points as the defending champions, Sporting will still finish sixth due to their inferior head-to-head record.
“This is a very important match. Because we have done well so far, it is important to finish on a high as well,” said Bruzon.
Sporting will be without the services of defenders Joyner Lourenco and Samananda Singh and the coach admitted he has concerns at the back. “There are problems in defence but I always speak about those players who are available and not those who are missing. I am sure we have enough in reserve to fill the gap,” said the Spanish coach.
Sporting will play at the Tilak Maidan for the first time this season since they had opted to play most of their home matches at the Duler Stadium, Mapusa.
Mumbai FC, with a fair bit of luck, can also finish sixth but for that to happen the visitors must grab full points against Sporting Clube who they defeated in the home clash at Pune.
Khalid Jamil’s side has surprised many with some eye-catching football and will hope they can come up with an impressive for one last time this season.
In Kalyani, Prayag United SC who have been one of the most notable achievers in the I-League table this season looked to end their campaign on a winning note when they take on Delhi’s ONGC FC in the concluding 26th round match at Kalyani Stadium, here, on Saturday.
“We have done well in the last few rounds and have reached the fourth position in the league standings. This is the highest our team has reached in the tournament and we would look to win the last match and finish in style,” said Eelco Schattorie, the Dutch coach of Prayag United.
“The team is in good rhythm and despite the title already decided our players will try to give their best and look to give a befitting end to our campaign,” Schattorie added. Prayag United have 41 points from 25 matches and have secured the fourth position already. Prayag United have won three, drawn one and lost one in their last five outings.
“Ours is a young and a spirited side and my boys always try to give their best effort. My team has come with many good results and we will try finish on a successful note,” said Santosh Kashyap, the ONGC coach.
“A win is a priority as it will help us finish better in the final league standings. Prayag United are a good side and have the advantage of playing at home. But we have our plan and will try to play accordingly to fulfill our objective,” Kashyap added. ONGC are currently placed 9th with 31 points from 25 matches and have drawn four and lost one in their last five matches.
Meanwhile, Pune will look to secure the second spot in the I-League table when they take on Pailan Arrows at Balewadi Stadium. Pune FC are on 49 points and a win against Pailan Arrows on Saturday will ensure their No 2 position for the 2012-13 season, but a different result will leave their fate in the hands of East Bengal, who meet Shillong Lajong FC on Sunday.
East Bengal, on 47 points, could upset Pune FC’s hopes should the Red Lizards fail to take full points from the AIFF developmental squad.
But given the way Pune FC have performed in the last four league matches, the Derrick Pereira’s side looks destined to grab the second position, which will be a milestone for the club that is playing in their only fourth season in the elite Indian football league.
Pune FC are coming into this match on the back of four straight wins, including one against Mohun Bagan, two against Air India and one over the ONGC FC. Their loss to Churchill Brothers in the Round 21 match in Goa will rankle Red Lizards for a long time as the way things panned out since then they would have surely been laying their hands of the brand new glittering I-League Trophy.
Again, history is with Pune FC. The Red Lizards haven’t lost to Pailan Arrows in their past five meetings, winning thrice and drawing twice giving the home team a clear edge over their rivals.
Arrows under Arthur Papas will look to redeem themselves against a team that needs an outright win to seal No 2 position.
