MARGAO
Former champions Dempo Sports Club and Sporting Clube de Goa will face off in a vital clash in the away match of the I-League 2 at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Sunday with defeat not an option for either side in the race to clinch the second spot.
Both teams are looking for victory and the three points from this match as each side seeks to improve its position in the table and book a berth in the I-League.
Dempo are third with 21 points while Sporting Clube de Goa are fifth with 19 points.
Dempo will regain the services of centre back Mohammed Ali who was missing from action in their in their 3-0 victory over Kenkre FC while fellow midfielder Vinay Harji may continue to be absent due to injury. The former champions will miss the service of attacking midfielder Necio Fernandes due and injury.
"Tomorrow's match is very important, and it will be decisive for both teams as it will be like a final for us," said Samir Naik.
"It will be another tough gamewith the Flaming Oranje, because we've already faced them," said Naik. "We won the match of the competition. They're a good team, well organised and aggressive in defence. They know how to take advantage so it will be difficult," he added.
"We are excited and motivated to win against this team. Everything depends on us, it’s in our hands. We have to play with spirit, ambition and passion. We need to keep focused with a good mentality to get the three points tomorrow." Naik added.
Assistant coach of Sporting Clube de Goa Climax Lawrence stated that it’s the biggest fixture in Goan derby and his team is very motivated.
"I think the pressure is on our rivals but we are determined,”said Lawrence.
Lawrence said they need to improve their attacking game. "This game needs much focus and we need to work hard to come off with a victory,” added the former midfielder.
Lawrence cautioned against taking their opponents lightly and his team heads into every match match aiming for nothing less than victory.
"We look forward to our game against Dempo in a very serious manner and hope it will take us one step closer to the second spot," Lawrence concluded.
