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Former champions Dempo SC will host title aspirants Bengaluru FC in an exciting I-League encounter of round 23 of the I-League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao on Monday evening.
Dempo SC Coach Arthur Papas feels it will be a challenge to play against Bengaluru FC as they are fighting to win the championship. “Our challenge is to match the motivation and ambition of Bengaluru as they are fighting to win the championship and their players will be very determined,” cautioned the Australian. On being asked about his opinion the performance of Bengaluru, Arthur remarked, “Bengaluru have the led the league all season and set the standard for results on the field and as a club off the field. They have brought an increased level of professionalism to the I-League which can only be good.”
Dempo turned things around in a hurry after suffering a loss against Salgaocar FC last month by winning against Mohammedan Sporting and Churchill Brothers. The Golden Eagles will now have a clear chance to finish among the top five of the I-league by winning against the Blues. However, Dempo will be without their talismanic striker Tolgay Ozbey due to suspension. With just two rounds to end the league, Dempo have 32 points from 22 matches while Bengaluru have 41 points from an equal number of matches.
In their earlier encounter, Bengaluru FC had defeated Dempo SC 3-1 at home. According to Arthur Papas his squad has changed since then and he would rather be optimistic about the result this time around. “We are a different team from the first time we played; our style of football is now more ingrained and we have become more efficient due to the players that arrived as the season progressed. Our second half of the season has been as good as any team at the top,” summed up the head coach.
The excitement in the 7th edition of I-League has reached its peak as East Bengal Club are also close to the title as well and they would be watching the proceedings closely as any slip-up by Bengaluru FC could brighten their chances for a maiden I-League triumph. Dempo too would be keen to register a win so as to target a top five finish in the I-League.
This match will be telecast live on TEN Action at 5:30pm.
