MARGAO
Goa's football giants, Dempo Sports Club and Sporting Clube de Goa, will face off in an enticing I-League 2 clash, the outcome of which may prove pivotal in the race for the top flight, at Ella Ground, Old Goa, on Monday.
Dempo, aiming for their second victory, are looking to secure full points against Sporting Clube de Goa. Meanwhile, Sporting Clube de Goa currently occupy the second spot in the standings with 10 points, six points ahead of Dempo. Dempo, on the other hand, sit lower in the standings with four points, having secured one win, suffered two losses, and managed one draw from four matches.
Matches between these top two sides, boasting the best combinations of talented players, are always exciting. The significance of Monday's match makes it a must-watch game.
After a shaky start, Dempo coach Samir Naik reflected on their previous match against Kenkre FC, stating, "We started the game strongly but had to fight our way and lost the tie. We thought we could win the match, but unfortunately, we couldn’t." Naik expressed disappointment with the defeat and apologised to the fans, acknowledging that luck was not on their side despite creating more opportunities than in previous matches.
Looking ahead to the match against Sporting Clube de Goa, Naik said, "Considering that it is a big match, it is logical that it will be very difficult." He emphasised the unpredictable nature of football, acknowledging that anything can happen in a match. Naik also highlighted the importance of maintaining hope, even in the face of defeat.
A victory for Dempo would help narrow the gap with Sporting Clube, while earning full points against the Flaming Oranje would be a significant boost in their title hunt, especially considering they have one match in hand.
Sporting Clube assistant coach Climax Lawrence, meanwhile, expressed respect for Dempo players but stressed his focus on his own team. He reiterated the team's determination to win and emphasised the importance of each player's contribution to the team's success.
Lawrence affirmed the team's readiness for the match and their commitment to playing their best to secure victory. He highlighted the pressure of facing a strong opponent but expressed confidence in his players' abilities to perform well. Reflecting on his personal challenge to lead Dempo to this crucial match, Lawrence expressed satisfaction with their achievements and assured that the squad would be ready for the challenge.
