MARGAO
Former five time champions Dempo Sports Club will be up against Sporting Clube de Goa in the high profile much-awaited Goan Classico in the I League 3 Play off, at Tilak Maidan, on Thursday. The kick-off is at 3.30 pm
The clash pits two highly-esteemed Goan football teams against each other. This match holds significant importance for both Dempo and The Flaming Oranje. Dempo aim to secure their second victory in the league to maintain their top position on the league table
On the other hand, Sporting Clube de Goa seek to assert their claim in the race for the championship title this season.
Each coach is determined to prepare their team in the best possible way to secure a victory.
Dempo head coach Samir Naik understands the significance of this match and the three points it could bring to his team. He is willing to utilize all his key players to ensure a win, especially with the return of Seigoumang Doungel after serving one match suspension. The other talented players in their ranks include Vasim Inamadar, Necio Fernandes, Brian Faria, Sanwil D'Costa, Mohamed Ali and Desmon Pereira.
Meanwhile, Naik believes that the team needs to harness the passionate support from the fans to make their home ground a tough place for opposition teams as they aim to emerge as champions of the I-League 3 Play Off.
“We need to take advantage of playing at home,” Naik said.
“We are going to play many games at home, and with the atmosphere that we create with the fans, we have to go for a win in every match. It's important to make our stadium a fortress. I believe the supporters are on the same page,” he added.
Conversely ,Anthony Vas Assistant manager of Sporting Clube de Goa is well aware of the distinctiveness of Dempo compared to other teams. Therefore, he acknowledges the significance of delivering a strong performance against them. He plans to field the best available squad to secure a victory, which would greatly boost the team’s morale for the remainder of the matches.
