MARGAO
Former five times champion Dempo Sports Club are gunning to finish in second spot in the I League-2 with a record when they play Sudeva Delhi FC in the concluding match. at Dempo Sports Club ground, Ella, Old Goa, on Saturday.
A Dempo win or draw tomorrow however will dump Sudeva Delhi out of the competition. Sudeva Delhi FC only need to win their last match to make it.
The Golden Eagles have accumulated 24 points from 7 victories, three draws and three losses scoring 18 goals, while conceding only 12 goals. However Sudeva Delhi FC coached by Chencho Dorji will be hoping to surpass Dempo and finish second in order to qualify for the I-League.
“Sudeva Delhi FC are a very good team. They are trying to qualify for the I-League next season. In their last game, they drew with 10 players against 11. It means that the match will be difficult and complicated,” said Dempo coach Sameer Naik on the eve of the match.
"We are looking for a win and we must focus and play with the same enthusiasm like we played against Sporting Clube de Goa,” he said. Dempo will be looking to keep the streak going against Sudeva Delhi FC said Naik.
Dempo coach Samir Naik has hailed his side for their outstanding run through out the tournament.
"It’s an incomparable feeling and a special moment for me with my team with the well-deserved. I thank the players for the efforts they made throughout the season and the technical, administrative and medical staff,” said Naik.
However, the mission is not accomplished for the Dempo coach. “We have a winning mentality and we are competing for the second place. Now we will have more challenges in tomorrow's match and we will stay focused for the challenges," he concluded.
Dempo will be without services of attacking midfielder Necio Fernandes and Vinay Harji due to injury.
Head coach of Sudeva FC Chencho Dorji said that his team shouldn't underestimate the opponents at their home ground. "We look forward to our game against Dempo in a very serious manner and hope it will take us one step closer to the I-League. However, let’s not forget that the Dempo team is playing on their own turf, in their own state and amongst their own people and they are a very good team. This is something to be taken into consideration but we will be getting ready and hoping for the best,” he said.
"Our fate is in our hands now with the result against Dempo being key,” said Sudeva coach.
“They are skillful and have been playing together as a unit and off course we will play with different players, formation and strategy. A lot of things will be different,” Dorji added.
