Dempo set for A-I test

I-League leaders Dempo, despite having stars like Mahesh Gawli, Samir Naik...

I-League leaders Dempo, despite having stars like Mahesh Gawli, Samir Naik, Climax Lawrence, Ranty Martins and Chidi Edeh in their ranks, have maintained a humble attitude and coach Armando Colaco was all praise for Bimal Ghosh, his rival tomorrow, when Air India take them on at home.

Colaco promises a ‘good match’ at the Cooperage but he is also aware that his team’s smooth flowing game can be put to the test by the unpredictable and swift-footed Air India team. “I’ll be delighted if we go with three points from here, but even if were are forced to split the points, I’ll be satisfied,” he states.

The Durand Cup loss at the hands of Air India still fresh in his mind, Colaco said: “At their home ground, Air India are at their dangerous best. They have not given any team breathing space here.”

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Ghosh on the other hand, wants to maintain their unbeaten record at the Cooperage but is aware of the quality of opposition he is up against. “Dempo is a big team but I have some upcoming players. I would like my boys to come up with their best performance.”

Air India will miss striker Samson Singh, who has a double booking. Their defenders Santosh Koli and Napolean Singh are injured. The only relief is that their dependable defender, Dhanchandra Singh, is fit to play tomorrow.

For Dempo, Colaco will be spoilt for choices but the form of Martins may cause concern.