MARGAO
Five-time champion Dempo Sports Club will fight in a do-or-die battle against SC Bengaluru in the third round match of the I-League 2 on Thursday, at Ella ground, Old Goa.
Dempoare placed above cellar side Kenkre FC with only one point, one draw and one loss and from two matches. On the other end, SC Bengaluru have three point, one win and a loss and have three points from same encounter.
Dempo are in a must-win situation to ward off danger, so they will have to throw everything into the game.
The clash pits two highly-esteemed football teams against each other. This match holds significant importance for both. Dempo aim to secure their second victory in the league, maintaining and putting the team team on the track
Dempo head coach Samir Naik is well aware of the distinctiveness of SC Bengaluru compared to other teams. Therefore, he acknowledges the significance of delivering a strong performance against them. He plans to field the best available squad to secure a victory, which would greatly boost the team’s morale for the remainder of the tournament. He understands the significance of this match and the three points it could bring to his team.
"We are ready for them, relying on ourselves to achieve the win and cling on to the hope of qualification," said Naik who characterised the upcoming match against Bengaluru as a challenging clash that will require that team to play at their best.
"We will try to enter the encounter with full strength. The game will be tough as all teams have equal chances, and I hope we will be up to the task. The match is at our home ground and in front of the Dempo fans, which is the most crucial element for us in tomorrow’s match," said Naik whose side played out a goalless draw against the opposition in the I League 3
The former defender is willing to utilise all his key players to ensure a win, especially with the return of and the presence of Rahul Kumar Paswan, Seigoumang Doungle, Sanwil D Costa, Mohammed Ali, Sheldon Pereira and other talented players in their ranks.
Meanwhile, coach Samir Naik appealed to the football faithful of Goa and in particular the club’s fans, to turn out in large numbers.
“It would be great to see a full house on Thursday and I sincerely urge the fans to get behind us. The match against FC Bengaluru should make for a riveting contest” exclaimed Naik.
