An engrossing battle for supremacy is expected in the derby clash between IFA Shield champions Churchill Brothers and Federation Cup winners East Bengal in a crucial I-league match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Sunday at 4.30 p.m.
The teams will be under pressure as the final classification for the top place depends on the outcome. Churchill Brothers, East Bengal and Dempo have identical tallies of 47points each with Churchill having two more matches to go while Bengal and Dempo have three each to wind up the league. Salgaocar appear almost guaranteed of the top place with 53 points and have to play JCT in their last match on May 30.
Salgaocar need three full points to take their tally to 56 and stay atop. If Dempo or East Bengal win all their three matches, then they will collect a maximum of 56 points and then it will be the goal difference that will decide the issue.
Churchill have 47 points from 24 matches and have two matches to go.
In order to maintain their positions, Churchill and East Bengal are determined to adopt a positive approach. Churchill are all set for the big match with coach Drago Mamic having new ideas on how to overcome the Bengal side. He put the players through a rigorous session this morning at Nehru stadium and worked out several new strtategies.
Mamic, at the end of the session, stated: “We are ready for the match. The boys know the importance of the match. I told them what we must do, but most importantly, they should go all out and enjoy the game.”
“I know East Bengal can be dangerous since they are also fighting for the title, but this is our best chance to ensure we finish on a triumphant note.”
Vinay Singh will be tending the goal, while Gourmangi Singh, Rowilson Rodrigues, Denzil Franco, Robert Lathlamuana will form the flat back four. Zakeer Maundampara, Lenny Rodrigues, Charan Rai and Steven Dias will form the midfield. The goal scoring responsibilities will rest mainly on Nigerians Odafe Okolie and Kayne Vincent or Boima Karpeh. “The morale of the players is high and I am confident they will play to win,” said East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan after the team had a training session at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Saturday morning.
The Englishman faces injury worries and card suspension. Goalkeeper Sandip Nandy will be out due to an injury. Midfielder Pen Orji and Syed Rahim Nabi look doubtful. Midfielder Mehtab Hussain and Harmanjot Khabra stand suspended on account of double booking. But he can gain some consolation as Gurbinder Singh, Nrimal Chettri and Ugba Okpara will return to bolster the defence.
The East Bengal coach was also conscious of the importance of the match and was confident that his boys would deliver the goods.
East Bengal have a couple of outstanding players in their rank who are looked upon as capable of causing problems for Churchill Brothers.
East Bengal coach knows that this is a crucial match. “We are keen to win this game as this encounter would keep us in the hunt for the title. Churchill Brothers area a good team and have a good striker in Odafe Okolie.”
Meanwhile, after the training session, Brazilian Alexander Da Silva Santos got involved in a heated argument with one of his colleagues and it needed the intervention of coach Morgan and manager Swapan Balltp to keep things under control. All in all, it will a fiery Sunday worth going miles to see. - Sports Reporter DLP
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