MARGAO
Five-time national champions Dempo Sports Club face a pivotal I-League match against Sporting Club Bengaluru at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday at 4:30 PM. Both teams are vying for crucial points to climb the league table, setting the stage for a highly competitive encounter.
Dempo, currently ninth with 19 points from 19 matches, aims to bounce back from a recent 3-1 defeat to Sporting Bengaluru. A victory at home would significantly boost their position and morale. Sporting Bengaluru, sitting tenth with 17 points from the same number of games, also seeks to improve their standing.
The match is crucial for both sides as they strive to secure a better position in the league. A win for Dempo could propel them up the table, while Sporting Bengaluru aims to distance themselves from the bottom.
Dempo coach Samir Naik acknowledged the challenge, especially after their previous loss, but remains optimistic. "We are going to fight until the end," Naik stated. "Obviously, with the previous loss, it is more difficult, but we are going to fight until the end “ it's our spirit."
Despite facing squad challenges, Naik urged his players to maintain belief and push through the remaining matches. "We cannot try to find excuses. We need to try to find solutions as coaches," he emphasized. "We are going to continue to compete well, even in these kinds of situations."
Naik concluded, "Regardless, we want to put those setbacks behind us, take the remaining matches one at a time, and secure maximum points."
