MARGAO
Dempo Sports Club head coach Samir Naik is bracing for a challenging encounter as his side prepares to face Shillong Lajong FC in an I-League match on Saturday. The game is set to kick off at 7 PM at the Nehru Stadium in Shillong, with the home team eager to assert their dominance.
Speaking to The Goan Everyday, Naik acknowledged the difficulty of playing away from home, especially against a team as formidable as Lajong FC. “Playing in Shillong is always tough, but we are focused and determined to secure all three points,” he said.
Naik also expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, noting that their recent goalless draw against Aizawl FC had provided a significant boost to their morale. “We’ve prepared well and understand the importance of this match. We are approaching it with full strength,” he added.
The high-stakes encounter, which pits two teams with identical points in the standings, presents an important opportunity for Dempo’s growth, according to Naik. “Matches like these are what we look forward to. The players are excited and ready to perform. We are aiming for a win, despite the challenge,” he said.
Dempo currently sit in sixth place with one point, while Lajong FC occupy the same position in the table in the 12-team competition.
However, Dempo will be missing defender Daniel Muthu and Necio Fernandes due to injuries. On a positive note, Argentine player Damiao’s International Transfer Certificate (ITC) has been cleared, and both Ariston Costa and Tangmin Kigen, who did not travel with the team previously, will be available for selection.
“We are focusing on our strengths and are fully prepared to deliver a top performance,” Naik said.
Despite the limited preparation time, Naik remains confident in his team's abilities. “We trust the players and their capabilities. We are determined to win,” he concluded.
