Sporting prepared for Bagan

TEAM HERALD

sports@herald-goa.com

MARGAO: After their win over Pailan Arrows, Sporting Clube de Goa will be desperate to get their fifth win when they challenge Kolkata’s Mohun Bagan in a 15th round match of I-league at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Thursday.

“We started off really well but we lost the plot due to several factors. Injuries to key players and lack of composure cost us few matches,” said Alex Alvares, Technical Director of Sporting. He admitted that Thursday clash was a very big one for both teams.

Mohun Bagan area a good side and it’s going to be very difficult to match them,” Alex stated. But we are ready to unfold something special for the sake of our supporters

who will be turning out in large numbers. We will be cautious and if we have things our own way in the first 20 minutes, then we shall collect full points,” added Alex.

Sporting will go by the tested 4-4-2 formation with James Moga,Vitorino Fernandes or South Korean striker Park Jae Hyun in front. Ogba Kalu, Fremian Peixoto, Bihheshwor Singh and Anthony D’Souza will complete the midfield while Keita B, Samaanda Singh, Joyner Lourenco and Jovel Martins will man the defence.

Mohun Bagan will be happy with the return of Brazilian midfielder Hudson Lima after one match suspension. They boast of quality foreigners and will be looking for three points.

“Tomorrow’s match is a big one for us. We want to stay close to league leaders,” coach Prasnta Banerjee said. “We need to be cautious as Sporting will be playing in front of their home crowd.” Bagan will one again depend on Odafe Okolie for goals.

Along with football, Sporting will present entertainment before the match,  during the breather and after the match.

Thursday’s pre-match entertainment features “The One” dance troupe with a spectacular Chinese dance. The interval will begin with the ‘Entry Ticket Housie’ which will be followed by three talented contestants showcasing their skills in the “3 minutes to fame” contest.

With Rs.2,000 up for grabs, the contest will feature Simron Fernandes, young bartender Max Lobo from Cafe Mangii whose challenge is to impress the judges with his skills in flaring and the brother-sister duo of Ninoshka who sings and Rohan playing the saxophone.

Sporting, after announcing Jae Hyun Park’s arrival to a select few yesterday, stated that the South Korean player will add much needed spark to the Sporting attack which has tended to misfire after a good start.

Jae Hyun Park comes with impressive credentials having started his career with Daegu FC and then peaking at Inchon United FC a  Korean K-League side when he spent five seasons from 200l to 2009.  He is a versatile player who can use both legs and can play as  top striker, a withdrawn striker, left wing as well as right wing.