THE GOAN | Network
PANAJI
Sporting Clube de Goa will take on Calangute Association in an important GFA Pro League fixture at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Tuesday.
Sporting Clube are currently placed in second position with 32 points from 15 matches ahead of their city rivals Dempo SC on a better goal difference.
Speaking about the importance of the match, Sporting Clube coach Mateus Costa said: “We have just a handful of matches remaining. The four-point gap with Salgaocar FC isn’t a big margin but it’s crucial we do not drop any more points.”
Speaking about the first league defeat against the current league leaders, Costa said: “Yes we lost; we have to accept that. We really missed some of our key players that day. This isn’t an excuse but I’m just stating some facts. It’s very important for key matches like that we should have a full strength squad at our disposal.”
Speaking about the training, the gaffer said: “We have been training really hard. We all understand the importance of these crucial matches and we know that we cannot afford to slip in any manner. We have to pull ourselves up, go out and play some good football."
Sporting Clube’s backline received a huge blow as their skipper Loveday Enyinnaya picked up a booking in the previous match which will keep him out of the coming encounter. Meanwhile, Glan Martins, who is nursing a leg injury, will also be left out of Costa’s list. In the attacking department, Ghanaian centre forward Francis Dadzie will return to the side after serving his one-match ban. The Sporting Clube midfield will be hoping Cajetan Fernandes makes his return after missing out the last few matches due to an injury. A win on Wednesday can take Sporting Clube to 35 points, four short of the league leaders Salgaocar, who sit on top with 39 points.
