DSK Cup 2016: Salgaocar, Ozone, Minerva and DSK Shivajians in action as we approach the Semi Finals

Semi Final 1 – DSK Shivajians FC ‘A’ vs Minerva AFC

The first semi Final of the DSK Cup 2016 witnesses a repeat of the final group stage game, with DSK Shivajians FC ‘A’ taking that game with a 4-2 margin over Minerva AFC. Minerva however, would be looking cause an upset, beating I-League veterans Mumbai FC on route to the Semi Final.

The Pune-based side, yet to lose in the tournament have played a dominant brand of football, scoring 10 goals over the three goals they have played in the tournament. While Minerva boast a similar tally, the key differentiator between the two sides is the duplicity of goalscorers, with the goals scored by the DSK Shivajians ‘A’ side coming from eight different players.

Minerva on the other hand, have been heavily reliant on former India International Manandeep Singh who has scored four in his three outings.

With the DSK Shivajians relying heavily on youth players, it remains to be seen how they’ll negate the side from Chandigarh, who’ve reached this far playing a very physical brand of football.

Semi Final 2 – Ozone FC Bengaluru vs Salgaocar FC

The late kickoff sees another repeat of a Group Stage fixture with the newly formed Ozone FC Bengaluru taking on former national champions Salgaocar FC from Goa.

While carrying the tag of newcomers, the Bengaluru-based club have witnessed heavy investment in their recruitment, roping in the services of World Cupper Cornell Glenn, veteran stopper Chika Wali as well as Arjuna Award winning fullback Deepak Mondal.

We can, however, expect the defensive line of the newcomers to be severely tested, with Salgaocar’s new recruit Kamo Bayi finding his scoring boots, scoring four goals in their Quarter Final encounter against DSK Shivajians FC ‘B’.

With both teams displaying contrasting styles of football, with Ozone adopting a brand of total football under Dutchman Bert Zuurman, it would be interesting to see how they intend to cope defensively against a Salgaocar side who, under Norbert Gonsalves have excelled in attack.

Schedule

DSK Shivajians FC ‘A’ vs Minerva AFC (Semi Final 1 – 18/11 – 4 PM)

Ozone FC Bengaluru vs Salgaocar FC (Semi Final 2 – 18/11 - 7:30 PM)