MARGAO
Dempo Sports Club will look to improve their league table position when they face debutant FC Bardez in a Pro League tie at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Thursday
Placed second with 32 points from 15 matches, The Golden Eagles need a victory on the morrow to narrow the gap between table-toppers Salgaocar FC.
Prior to that match Dempo chief coach Mauricio Afonso made his intentions clear. "I'm sure you always like a huge win. Not just against FC Bardez but against all the teams. But even we win 1-0 everyone likes it as well. The most important thing is to win," Afonso said on the eve of the match.
"The work that these players have been doing since Day one gives me confidence. They are working really hard. They are improving. They are trying to do their best and help the team," said Afonso.
Dempo held Corps of Signals to a 1-1 draw in their last match. It was a match they dominated and deserved to win by a bigger margin. "We had a great match at 3MTR grounds, Navelim. We could have scored at least six goals, but I think the players now are not bothered about any team. It doesn't matter which teams are in front of us. It's all the same. We try to dominate the game, defend well and score as many goals as possible," he added.
Going into games, Dempo are sweating on the fitness of midfielder Gabriel Fernandes who have not yet recovered from injuries. FC Bardez are out of form right now, as they have lost two straight games against Salgaocar and Calangute Association.
The Panthers are currently on the 5th spot with 24 points having played 15 matches. FC Bardez will be looking to get back to winning ways in this clash.
FC Bardez will miss their skipper Peter Cavalho as he is out due to suspension having got cards in consecutive matches. The same follows for Joel Sunday, as he will also be out. Myron Mendes, Lenstan Afonso and goalkeeper Mirshad K will be out due to injuries. FC Bardez coach Armando Colaco will have to rethink his strategy as he goes up against his former side.
Both the teams have faced each other on two occasions previously. In the Goa Police Cup where the match ended in a goalless draw and in the GPL earlier in the season FC Bardez got the better of their opponents with a 1-0 win.
FC Bardez right winger Girish Naik said: "We have dropped points in the previous matches. However, we will give our best no matter what happens. We beat Dempo in our previous match but that doesn’t mean we underestimate them. We will give our hearts out tomorrow. FC Bardez manager Armando Colaco said: "Dempo are a seasoned team and are strong contenders for the title. I hope my boys get something out of this match and make me and the fans happy.”
