PANJIM: Sporting Clube de Goa will look to qualify for the semi-finals when they take on Air India in the final match of Group B in 127th Durand Cup, at Raia panchayat ground, on Sunday. The kick-off is 3.45 p.m.
Sporting Clube won their opening match against United Sports Club 3-2. In the other match United Sports Club defeated Air India 2-1. Only one team from each group qualifies for a semi-finals berth.
Sporting Clube would only need a draw to qualify for the semi-finals while Air India will need to win by a two goal margin to qualify and prevent USC’s chances of progressing.
With all three teams still in contention for moving into the next round, this final group game will be watched with keen interest.
Despite only needing a point, there is only one thing on the Sporting Clube coach Oscar Bruzon’s mind and that is winning the game. “We are not thinking about the next phase at this moment and are only fully focussed on victory against Air India,” remarked Oscar.
Oscar took his squad to watch the USC/Air India encounter as part of the preparation for the final game.
“Air India play very compact and is a physical side but I feel technically we have the players in every department to come away with the desired result,” reasoned Oscar.
Oscar believes that this is the most high profile match of the season so far and that his players are charged up to deliver. “This is for sure the most important game of the season and my players are ready to put up a strong performance,” signed off Oscar.
