MARGAO
Former champions Dempo Sports Club will take on United Sports Club Kolkata in a no holds do-or-die match in the I-League 2, at Dempo Sports Club Academy, Ella Old Goa, on Wednesday.
Both the teams will be eyeing a win. Dempo will need the three points to keep their hopes alive. The Golden Eagles are third with 17 points. Dempo will miss the services of three key player Vijay Harji, Shubam Rawat and Brian Faria with thw first two are nursing injuries and the latter through expulsion. However, there is good news for the side as attacking midfielder Necio Fernandes who miss the previous match will return to the squad.
Speaking to The Goan Everyday, head coach Samir Naik stressed that his team was ready for the crucial clash and hopeful of securing a spot in the I-League. "It’s our home match and we are playing for the win. Our goal is to get all three points," he said. "The team is fully prepared, and we aim to show ourselves in the best light to secure qualification," He added. "We will focus on the small details to achieve victory. Our players have a professional mentality, and I appreciate their performance in the recent period," said the former Dempo defender.
"It is an important and much-anticipated match against the Kolkata team. It will be difficult for both teams. Our target is three points to remain in the lead,” said Naik.
“Every remaining match will be decisive for us. We will play the match as if it is a final and there is no substitute for winning points," he pointed out.
"The Dempo fans always support us and stand behind the team. Their presence gives us all confidence and we await for them in all upcoming matches to help boost our chances of winning the league championship,” added Naik.
"We must show our best in the last four matches, because all possibilities are present in the final stages and the goal is very close to all teams. The competition has become stronger between the two teams in the top four and we are focusing first on the next match,” said Naik whose side was dealt with a blow after SC Bengaluru handed them a 3-0 defeat.
“There are a number of reasons that caused the team’s performance to decline, especially injuries that kept more than one player away from the team, loss of concentration in some matches and the high level of competition. There are psychological factors after the team suffers successive losses, but we will try to make up for it,” Naik concluded.
