MAPUSA, OCT 30
Vasco Club are all set to come face-to-face with Dempo in the Kingfisher Pro League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa here on Sunday.
The teams have met twice this season, with Dempo being victorious on both occasions. In the charity match, Dempo overcame Vasco on penalties and then two weeks later, they showed their superiority defeating them 4-0 in the league.
Vasco coach Gavin Araujo is happy with the way his team has performed this season and is now looking for a top four finish in the league. “My boys have done well to be in fifth position at the half-way mark and we are now pushing for a top four finish.”
Gavin will have several key players missing for the match. Prajot Naik, Remus Gomes, Joy Ferrao and Jerose Oliveira have been suspended while Mario Crasto and Sudeesh Muttath are injured.
Vasco have completed their second overseas signing of the season by registering Julius Akpele. He has been training with the club for the past one month but it was only on Saturday that he got clearance from the GFA and is set to start in the first eleven in the crucial match with Dempo.
Coach Gavin stated, “I have had an opportunity to watch Julius for the past one month and I believe he will be an asset to our talented team.”
Gavin will be looking to bring in youngsters Mariano Fernandes, Alvito Miranda and Brasileiro into the team as replacements.
Dempo are currently on 17 points from eight matches and could open up an eight point lead at the top with a victory against Vasco. Vasco are currently on nine points from seven matches.
