PANAJI
In a Super Sunday clash in the GFA Pro League, Sporting Clube de Goa face Dempo SC at Duler Stadium, Mapusa.
Sporting Clube are currently placed third with 33 points from 16 matches and trail Dempo by two points. While the Flaming Oranje would look to leapfrog their crosstown rivals into second place, the Golden Eagles would like to consolidate their position behind league leaders Salgaocar FC.
Sporting Clube coach Mateus Costa knows his side has a tough match at hand but said his charges are focussed on the job. "We have a huge task ahead; we have to do more than 100% and recover the points we dropped in our previous matches. We are focused on tomorrows match," Costa said on the eve of the match.
Speaking about the previous draw against Calangute Association, Costa said: “Sometimes in a match if we switch off for a second or two such things can happen. Those two points were ours to lose and sadly we threw it away. But that’s (in the) past; we are looking forward to tomorrow's match.”
Costa said the match against their city rivals will produce exciting football. “They have a good side, with some promising set of players. We can expect a good game of football tomorrow,” he said.
Sporting Clube go into the match with a long list of key players missing from their squad. The Flaming Oranje will continue to miss the services of midfielder Glan Martins, while Cajetan Fernandes is also doubtful with a slight sprain. They will also miss defender Ponif Vaz, who is nursing an injury he picked up in the previous match. Sporting Clube were dealt a major blow when their in-form striker Victorino Fernandes picked up a booking against Calangute Association, which will keep him out of the important encounter on Sunday.
Speaking about the long list of missing players, Costa said: “Yes, it’s very difficult but this is a test for the other players. We have the depth in our squad to overcome these situations and I am confident they won’t let me down.”
SCC Cavelossim host FC Bardez
Meanwhile, in another Pro League match Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim host FC Bardez Goa at Rosary Church ground, Navelim on Sunday.
SCC Cavelossim come into the match with a victory in their previous match against Corps of Signals and will be looking to keep the winning run going. Cavelossim are currently sixth in the league standings, tied on points with FC Bardez.
FC Bardez come into the match on the back of a loss against Dempo. The Panthers will be looking to break their losing streak and move up the table with just four matches remaining in the season. FC Bardez will have to make some changes to their squad as their Nigerian striker Joel Sunday has left the side following the completion of his loan spell. Peter Carvalho will be back having served his suspension. Keeper Bilal Khan will be in goal as Mirshad K is injured, while Cavin Soares will also be out due to injury.
