MAPUSA: Defending champions Sporting Clube de Goa have been training hard to improve their performance ahead of the round two tie against city rivals Dempo Sports Club, in Goa Football Association’s Goa Professional League football, at Duler Stadium, here, on Sunday.
The league resumes after a two-day break for the Ganesh festival and the kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Sporting Clube survived the opening match scare by managing a 1-1 draw against another title contenders Salgaocar Football Club.
The Flaming Oranje were on the verge of facing a defeat after failing to convert a penalty in the second session after Ivorian Douhou Pierre had put The Green Brigade ahead just before the lemon break. However, it was India international Victorino Fernandes, who worked his magic and equalized in the 68th minute.
The teams last met on August 17, where Dempo edged out their rivals 1-0 in the Charity Cup match and Sunday’s tie will only spark rivalry with Sporting Clube eyeing to make amends for the defeat.
“We have been progressing well and so have our opponents. The game will be an opportunity to see where each teams stands,” remarked Sporting Clube de Goa head coach Oscar Bruzon.
In the first round, only Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim and Dempo managed to register victories.
The Panjim out-fits have problems of their own as several key players are part of the India under-23 camp. However, it gives tremendous opportunity for other players to work their magic and cement their place in the first eleven.
“My players have worked well all week, which I have congratulated them for. Now is the time to close it with a big performance on Sunday,” added Oscar.
Sporting Clube is likely to start with young Mauvin Borges upfront while The Golden Eagles may likely go with Holicharan Narzary in the attack.
