VASCO: Dempo Sports Club are looking to conclude their I-League campaign on a winning note as they battle title-contenders East Bengal in the penultimate game at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Saturday (May 4).
The defending I-League champions have been unable to recreate the magic that won them the I-League for a record number of times. But coach Armando Colaco has told his team to play for pride in the remainder of the two matches.
“There is plenty of pride at stake,” said Colaco.
The Dempo coach was missing in action for the team’s last two matches in the I-League but said he was pleased with what he saw of the team in the last game against Churchill Brothers which we drew 2-2.
“The same old problems continue to plague us but the players have now regrouped. This is the time to prove ourselves, again,” said Colaco.
The same old problems mean injuries and suspension as Climax Lawrence, Samir Naik and Debabrata Roy will all sit out. The first two have accumulated four bookings while Debabrata is injured.
“East Bengal is a difficult team and we all know that. They have title ambitions and need all full points from us. It will not be easy for them,” said the former India coach.
Dempo will start with Nigerian striker Koko Sakibo and Japanese striker Ryuji Sueoka upfront while with Climax missing, Peter Carvalho and Godwin Franco will anchor the midfield.
East Bengal are placed third at the moment with 43 points and are nine points behind Churchill Brothers, who have played an extra game. Placed-second is Pune FC with 49 points from 25 matches, but East Bengal still have hopes of the title, although they must win their remaining matches and hope neither Churchill nor Pune FC collect any point from their remaining matches.
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