MARGAO
Former champions Dempo Sports Club will look to close the gap on leaders SC Bengaluru when two giants face off in the I-League 2, at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Saturday.
Dempo are looking forward to present a strong match to make up for the points they dropped in the previous round in order to cling to their chance of retaining the title.
SC Bengaluru are leading the points table with 21 points, followed by FC Bengaluru United (19) and Dempo (17).
Dempo Sports Club head coach Samir Naik is keen on collecting full points. The side will however miss the services of attacking midfielder Necio Fernandes who is out due to suspension and striker Shubam Rawat who is nursing hamstring injury. Vinay Harji picked up an injury while serving the state team in the Santosh Trophy, Vieri Colaco may return to the team after serving suspension.
"We have the opportunity to increase the difference and if we win this competition, the probability of winning it is very high. So this confrontation is a final for us. We are playing away and we are going through a very good period," said coach Samir.
"Everyone bears responsibility for the team’s results, we must work hard to achieve what we are seeking to win,” he said.
"We will play with hope, work strongly, minimise mistakes and compete until the end,” he added.
"We are expecting a difficult match as always. SC Bengaluru is a well-organised team with good players, and we are expecting a very tough match. We have beaten them 1-0 in the home match. Our match against SC Bengalaru probably comes at the most crucial stage. But Dempo are fully prepared for the match," Naik explained.
"I have great confidence in the players' ability to provide the best performance on the field. The match will not be easy for us against an attacking team like Bangalore outfit who play with a distinctive line of attack. Losing against them can cause us to lose ground on the points table, but we will play with enthusiasm and see what happens," he further continued.
"SC Bengaluru has four points more than us, so that may affect the way they approach this game. But I think both teams will have the same mentality. The goal is always to win the game,” Samir Naik said.
Naik said their ambition is to clinch the title this time. He also expressed confidence in the available players despite some absences, and said: “The available players will always give their best. We trust the players that we have,” he concluded.
