I-League: Salgaocar vs Dempo Preview

It’s Now or Never for Dempo

Push everything to the background. It’s time for the Goan derby – the clash which might well decide the fate of the I-League this year. Ladies and Gentlemen, gear up for the clash between Salgaocar SC and Dempo SC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margaon on Saturday. The kick-off is slated for 4.15pm.

The significance of the match lies in the points tally. Salgaocar stay on top of the League with 46 points from 20 matches, just 5 more than Dempo – and that’s the motivating factor for Dempo coach Armando Colaco and his boys.

Armando knows a win will take his team to 44 points, two behind Salgaocar. And if that happens, he feels, “anything can happen.”

“But prior to that, we need to win it on the field. There’s no reason why we can’t. But it’s not easy,” he said. “Any coach in such a situation will back his players to see his team through. I am no different. But as I said, it’s not easy. Salgaocar are playing some great football this season.”

While Dempo stay desperate for a victory, Salgaocar won’t mind a draw. Coach Karim Bencherifa, nevertheless, isn’t willing to go on the defensive.

“We won’t play for a draw for sure. In football, you can never plan and play for it. But we have chalked out certain strategies and hope to implement them on the field,” Bencherifa said, only to add: “Dempo are a very strong team and we need to be careful.”

Dempo have little choice but to win. A draw, they know, will dash their hopes of another title win – it’s either now or never.

The last time the two teams met, Salgaocar had won 3-1.

Air India take on Churchill Brothers: Meanwhile, in another match, Air India host Churchill Brothers in Kohlapur. Churchill are currently placed second in the League table on 43 points from 22 matches while Air India stay in the relegation zone with 20 points from 22 ties. The kick-off is slated for 4pm.