I-League:Churchill challenge for Dempo Sports Club

Margao: Churchill Brothers would look to turn on the heat on Dempo Sports Club, when the two teams meet in a decisive 24th round I League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.

Churchill are six points behind the league leaders and know for sure that a win will leave them just three points, and with three crucial matches to play, it could then be anybody’s game.

“I have always maintained that we can challenge for the title. Our match against Dempo will be decisive,” said Churchill Brothers technical director Subhas Bhowmick.

Bhowmick will be relatively pleased with the health of his side as he welcomes crucial players. Denzil Franco and Raju Yumnam will return to the starting line-up after missing the last clash due to suspension and injury respectively.

“We have done well in the last three matches and have scored heavily in the last two matches. We must win against Dempo if we are to be challenging for the title,” said Bhowmick.

Dempo are relatively calm ahead of the big match. Coach Armando Colaco has been in such a position before and trusts his players that they will continue to do the job.

Dempo believe their six point lead is decisive and even if they lose against their arch rivals, they will still be in pole position to challenge their rivals for the title. Colaco is expected to make no changes to his starting line which means he will start with Nigerian strikers Ranty Martins and Koko Sakibo while leaving Joaquim Abranches on the bench.

Dempo have 47 points from 22 matches while Churchill Brothers stays at 41 points from 22 outings.

The 8th round encounter between the two was won by Churchill Brothers 2-1.

By Indian Sports News Network