Pune: Air India will take on Sporting Clube de Goa as the I-League action resumes at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground on Thursday, March 5. With 28 points from 22 matches, Air India stays six points behind Sporting Clube de Goa in the table. But Coach Santosh Kashyap doesn’t seem perturbed about the difference in the League table.

“We will definitely try to improve our position. We are playing well since the League re-started and I am sure the momentum will continue in the same vein,” said Kashyap.

Though Air India will miss the services of Kali Alaudeen, who is carrying double bookings, Kashyap stays confident that youngsters such as Collin Abranches, Manandeep Singh and Allian Dias will see their boat through.

However, midfielder Mohammed Shafi will also miss the match as will injured Japanese recruit Takayuki Omi.

Air India held Mohun Bagan to a draw in their first match after League re-started and that showed that the Mumbai team is finally getting into their grooves, though very late in the day.

“Youngsters have settles down by now. They are playing with confidence and the results prove that. We drew against Bagan and played exceedingly well against Salgaocar SC but failed to convert the chances that came our way,” Kashyap added.

The last time the two teams met, Air India won 3-1.

On being asked about his reactions about reports that his dependable striker Manandeep has been signed by Kingfisher East Bengal for the next season, Kashyap said that he was happy for him. “We are low-budget team and cannot match East Bengal’s offer,” he commented.

“At Air India, our main objective stays to give these young footballers a good platform to show cause their talent. At glamour clubs, they will get more exposure and better pay,” Kashyap explained.
Sporting Clube de Goa on the other hand, is looking to break into the top. After the League restarted, Sporting drew against Churchill Brothers and then beat Shillong Lajong at home.

By Indian Sports News Network