Pune/Margao/Shillong: Dempo Sports Club will face a tough challenge against Air India at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Wednesday. After being clear leaders in the early part of the season for seven rounds, Dempo crashed to three defeats in a row and it was Air India’s 2-0 away win in Fatorda that had shown to all that the Goan team’s defence was vulnerable.
Since then, Dempo has remained tentative and have lost only one of the next four matches. At present, they stay at the top with 30 points from 14 matches, three points clear of Kolkata teams, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. Their rivals Air India are on 20 points from 14 matches.
In the last match against Chirag United Kerala, Dempo had plenty of misses but early strikes from Clifford Miranda and Ranti Martins were enough for the league leaders to stay ahead of the chasing pack.
However, Air India would not be such an easy meat at home. On Saturday, Air India’s defence spearheaded by Collin Abranches, Lamine Tamba and Muhammed Shafi frustrated Shillong Lajong no end in a goalless draw.
Dempo will have to go all guns firing as Kali Alaudeen, who captained Air India in the last match, can shift roles effortlessly and is good at either positions, in the midfield or defence. Striker Sandesh Gadkari was off-colour and had to be substituted in the second half, but Sandeep Sangha worked nicely upfront with Alaudeen keeping him busy all the time.
In the last five encounters, Air India has won two, lost two and drawn one — their last win coming just before Christmas against Pailan Arrows. Air India hasn’t done badly given that much wasn’t expected from the Mumbai outfit, who was forced to adopt Pune as home for this season.
The kick-off is slated for 2.30pm.
Salgaocar want to break into top-five
Salgaocar Sports Club stay aware they can jump to the top-five spot for the first time should they manage to get past struggling HAL at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday (Jan. 18). Salgaocar are placed seventh at the moment with 22 points and a win against the bottom-placed squad will help them jump two spots and closer to a place they believe they belong; whereas HAL stay at the borrom of the League with 3 goals from 14 matches.
“We have to continue making progress. We have done well in the last five games but three points against HAL are an absolute must now,” said Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa.
Salgaocar had struggled to post a solitary goal win against HAL in the first leg at Bangalore and Bencherifa feels they team would have to be at their best to replicate the result at Fatorda.
“The slow start in the beginning taught us some lessons and one lesson which we learnt was that you don’t win if you don’t work really, really, hard. Whether it’s a top team or one at the bottom, there cannot be an exception. We have to really work hard for full points,” said Bencherifa.
The coach, however, was happy that his team has enjoyed a good run of form in the last five matches, that too without some of their key players. “We have managed to achieve some level of consistency and if you see the records, we have missed quite a few players. That’s an encouraging sign,” said the coach.
Unless there is a dramatic change in fortunes in the next couple of matches, HAL’s relegation becomes almost inevitable. The Bangalore side has not won a single game in the competition -- only Pailan Arrows has such a dubious record -- and are sitting at the bottom of the pool with three points in their kitty.
The kick-off is at 3.30pm.
Pune FC enjoy an edge
There is no other go for Derrick Pereira’s team but to force a win against Mumbai FC when the two teams meet up in the Round XV clash in the I-League at the Balewadi Sports Complex.
Currently on 23 points from 14 matches, this is the perfect opportunity for Pune FC to consolidate their position. They need to remember that defending champions Salgaocar SC and Prayag United SC stay on their heels – just one point behind.
Mumbai FC have been on a losing streak at home after Chirag United and Salgaocar scored victories early this month, and it would be right moment for Pune FC to strike after the two teams played out a goalless draw exactly one month ago at this same ground. Mumbai FC stay on 14 points from 14 matches.
Derrick Pereira’s boys need to find a solution to get their rhythm right after their rivals claimed a goalless draw in their last outing. “We will need to work harder,” explained Derrick. “We need to create chances and convert them effectively. Last time we played them, we were held to a draw, This time, our plans stay different,” he added.
While Pune FC has fared well at home they still seek that elusive victory over Mumbai FC. Pune will, however, be without their top scorer Mandjou Keita who will have to sit out courtsey a double booking.
“The break will be a much needed rest for him and will help him come back stronger.” Derrick commented. “In Keita’s absence, I’m looking at others to step up and do as well,” he said.
The kick-off is at 6.30pm.
Lajong take on Churchill in Shillong
Meanwhile, I-League football returns to Shillong as Shillong Lajong Football Club will be taking on Churchill Brothers at the Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The Nehru Stadium sports a new look with the newly laid artificial turf all reday to host the action. This is Lajong’s first match in Shillong as they had played all their earlier home matches in Guwahati.
Lajong stay on 17 points from 14 matches while Churchill Brothers are on 26 points from 13 matches.
By Indian Sports News Network
