Margo:
Dempo FC and Sporting Clube de Goa will be looking to post their first win in the Hero I-League match when the two clash with each other at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, here tomorrow.
With Australian striker Tolgay Ozbey, defender Haroon Amiri and midfielder Romeo Fernades nursing injuries, Dempo have found it hard to score goals. They have drawn both their games so far in the tournament, playing against Bengaluru FC and Bharat FC, despite dominating in those matches.
Players like Holicharan Narzary and Alwyn Geroge have failed to provide the breakthrough, and coach Arthur Papas is hoping that his team show the same forms, which they have displayed in the Federation Cup.
“Am happy with the way my team played against strong opponents—Bengaluru FC and Bharat FC—and am satisfied with the draws without the key players.
“The team has responded well to the diamond formation and the new signing Carlos Hernadez in the midfield has given the team a lot of inspiration. We are looking at him to keep the attack going along with Mandar Rao Dessai and Peter Carvalho and post our first win tomorrow,” said Papas.
Sporting, too, drew their opening match. They have struggled to score in the absence of Victorino Fernandes but with Boima Karpeh back in the side, it is certainly going to be a big boost for the team.
The team will hope that the new signing—Portuguese defender Minguel Garcia—give more strength to defense, which has shown signs of nerve.
Both the teams know each other’s strength and it is expected to be a closely fought and exciting contest.
