Fatorda: Salgaocar SC will seek to silence critics questioning their poor form as the defending champions prepare to battle Sporting Clube de Goa in a tricky I-League tie at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Saturday.
The defending champions have lost two of their three matches in the I-League, the last loss being particularly destructive as it came at the hands of lower-ranked Air India (1-3). Salgaocar also lost to Dempo in their opening game and their only win came against rookie Pailan Arrows, who, incidentally, were a player down early in the game.
Coach Karim Bencherifa understands the criticism surrounding the team, not all of it fair though, and is now out to prove that his side still has what it takes to become champions.
“This is only the start of the league and only three matches old. But I cannot deny the fact that we have difficulties. Every match is hard for us and unlike what many people say, there are no strong and weak teams in the I-League. The competition is strong and any team can beat anyone. As for us we have to be strong, always,” said coach Bencherifa.
Salgaocar, though, will have their task cut out as they battle a team that is high on confidence after Sporting Clube’s entertaining 4-3 win against Shillong Lajong Football Club.
“The winning feeling is good and we need to continue in the same vein,” said Sporting coach Ekendra Singh.
Sporting Clube drew both of their first two matches but finally managed to taste win after they came from behind to stun visiting Shillong Lajong. The win, as Ekendra admitted, would have tasted good but no one can deny that the defence -- which has conceded seven goals in three matches -- needs a bit of strengthening.
Prayag United vs Pune FC: Saturday’s clash between Prayag United and Pune FC will witness two teams with varied fortunes in the season so far.
Prayag United currently lingering in the bottom half of the table at the ninth spot, have managed only three points out of a possible twelve. United head into Saturday’s encounter with the intention of securing all three points, hoping for their first home win of the season.
Coach SonjoySen will miss the services of Yusuf Yakubu who is out through an injury but looks forward to an interesting clash against the Pune outfit. Sen added “Pune FC are a fantastic team, although we will miss Yakubu up front, we have enough strength in our squad to finish the job. We will also be missing the services of Abhijit Mondol who is also out due to an injury”.
On the other hand, Pune FC has had a flying start to the season. Sitting in the top half of the table with seven points, the Red Lizards come high on confidence into this clash. Although Coach Derek Periera will be missing key players such as Subarata Paul, Keita through injuries and Chika Wali and Srikanth through suspension, he will be hoping to get a positive result at the YBK Stadium on Saturday.
Periera commented “I have seen Prayag play in the Durand Cup and have been quite impressed by their performances, our only concern is with injuries to our main players which has put us in a disadvantageous position”.
He further said “The turf at the Salt Lake Stadium is not up to par and so have advised players to wear special boots meant for artificial turf”.
The Kick-off is slated for 6:30 pm.