MARGAO
Former champions Dempo Sports Club will host Maharashtra Oranje in the I-League 2 match at the Dempo SC academy ground, Ella Old Goa, on Saturday.
Dempo are currently ranked third in the points table with three wins and two loss two draws after their goalless draw in their most recent outing against Sudeva Delhi FC.
Maharashtra have had a poor run in the ongoing I-League 2 season, losing 4 out of 7 matches. They registered two wins and a draw occupy sixth spot and have 7 points. A win on Saturday will firmly establish them on better standing while Dempo will be desperate to lay their hands on three points knowing they can't afford to drop points if they are to avoid on missing out the title.
Coach Samir Naik said that he was impressed with how his players worked together and gelled. "The attitude of the players and their desire to learn has been wonderful to see. The bond these players have formed among themselves in such a short period of time has led to a great atmosphere within the team. The fact that most of the players have known each and clubs is an added advantage. I hope that the camaraderie and togetherness that I see off the pitch will be reflected on the pitch. As of right now, though, we are completely focussed on tomorrow’s game against Maharashtra Oranje."
"We expect them to come out very hard with a certain level of desperation for the visitors, while for us it is our home match which I’ve always maintained is the most important for any side," he added.
The former Dempo defender added, "You may say that both teams are a level above us as of now, but if we stick together, play as one unit and keep our tactical discipline, I believe we will get the desired results."
In the end, head coach Naik said, "I can assure everyone that this team will produce a great performance tomorrow with a lot of grit and determination, which will hopefully be enough to get a favourable result."
"Qualification is a step-by-step process, and our focus remains on delivering our best performances in each game,” Naik added as Dempo will be without Vinay Harji who is nursing injury which he suffered at Santosh Trophy in Arunachal Pradesh.
Dempo will have to rely on Necio Fernandes, S Doungel, Subham Rawat, Laximanrao Rane, Vasim Inmadar, Mohammed Ali and Ariston Costa to deliver the goods.
"Regarding the league competitiveness, Naik said, "There are no weak teams. This is the League 2 and almost all teams are balanced and well-organised," he concluded.
