PANAJI
Dempo Sports Club will look to carry on their winning momentum as they play Neroca FC in their second match of Second Division I-League final phase in Imphal on Saturday.
Dempo are currently leading the table with three points and a win against the Imphal side will further consolidate their position at the top as Dempo SC coach Mauricio Afonso hopes nothing less than three points.
“A win here will give us advantage in our campaign as the away match results are very much vital for us,” said Mauricio Afonso.
Although the Golden Eagles defeated GHSC in their first match, their performance wasn’t impressive as Mandar’s lone goal separated the two teams but Maurcio is determined to face the Imphal team, who are currently in second position with one point. “We have seen Neroca FC play and they are a good side and they have two good foreign players. But I’m prepared for the match and hoping for three points,” he added.
The team banks heavily on Beevan D’Mello and Felix Chidi for the goals upfront as team’s top scorer Milagres Gonslaves haven’t travelled with the team in their away fixtures due to injury. The return of experienced Holicharan Narzary from National duty has further strengthened the Dempo midfield. And the availability of Romeo, Mandar, Jewel, Peter, Holicharan, Vinit Cahmberlin, Germanpreeth Singh have given a wide range of midfield option for Mauricio.
However, the Goan outfit worries of the bad ground due to bad weather conditions. “Now the only concern is the bad ground conditions as it’s been raining for three days,” he concluded.
At the other end, Neroca FC look for their first win in the business round after theirdraw against Minerva Academy in their first match. “Dempo SC are a strong team and got many experienced players. Our boys have worked hard and will try to overcome the visitors,” said Neroca FC coach Gift Raikham.
Gift further stated that his team has to convert their chances and cannot tend to miss any opportunities against Dempo SC.
