TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: After a disappointing goalless draw against Shillong Lajong in a 15th round match, Sporting Clube de Goa will look to snatch three points against Prayag United when they meet in the second leg I-League clash at Duler Stadium, here, Saturday at 3.45 p.m.
Sporting Clube defeated Prayag United 3-1 in Kalyani in the first leg, a result that sent shockwaves throughout. Sporting coach Oscar Bruzon, though, is not surprised and believes his team can get full points from their opponents for the second time.
“I think we can get full points. Our team has proved in the past that we are good enough to beat any team in the competition and there is no reason why we should not defeat Prayag United again,” said the Spanish coach.
Sporting were disappointing in their last match against Shillong Lajong, only managing a goalless draw. They dominated the second half and created chances too but lacked the cutting edge.
“We dropped two points against Lajong. The victory was ours,” admitted Bruzon.
“We will have a better squad against Prayag United. There is so much work to do and it will take time for everything to settle down, but against Prayag, we know our game plan. We know what to do,” said Bruzon.
Defender Keita Boubacar, who was suspended for the last match, will return in the centre of defence while Joyner Lourenco (who filled in Keita’s spot in the last match) has certainly impressed the coach with his performance.
Samananda Singh and Dawson Fernandes remain doubtful to start in the first 11 after picking up a hamstring and ankle injury respectively.
Sporting Clube are placed 10th in the standings with 13 points from 13 matches while Prayag are in the sixth position with 20 points from 14 matches after two big wins against top oppositions Dempo and Pune FC in their last two matches. This will definitely give coach Eclo Schattorie a lot of confidence. A few good performances in the coming weeks can help them break into the top five.
