Uphill task for Sporting Club de Goa against Dempo tomorrow

Margao, Nov 27 (UNI) Flying high on Nigerian forwards Ranti Martin and Edeh Chidi and a 3-0 win over Salgaocar in the lung opener, defending champions Dempo are looking to score full points against Sporting Club de Goa in the second round ONGC-I League match to be played here at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda tomorrow.

Dempo has a well balanced squad and looks formidable both on paper and in experience with a potent strike force and an efficient midfield consisting of hardworking Brazilian Roberto Mendes D'Silva (Beto), Climax Lawrence, Jerry Zirsangha or Nicolau Borges providing them with stability in the middle.

The foreign recruits -- Edeh Chidi, Ranti Martin and Beto -- combine well and give them rivals a harrowing time. The trio is quick in seizing the chances that come their way.

The defence will be marshalled by Mahesh Gawli, Valeriano Rebello, John Dias and Samir Naik. Besides, they have quality players on the bench as well.

Dempo coach Arman do Colaco said that he was happy with his team's performance and added that the boys were in good spirit after a comfortable win against Salgaocar in the inaugural match.

Every match in the tournament is important for us and we look forward to a similar performance with other opponents, he added.

Sporting's Peter Valles said that Dempo is a strong team but his boys will try their best for a victory. But this depends on how his boys perform tomorrow with only one foreigner in the team.

Sporting Club de Goa, who suffered a 0-3 defeat against Churchill Brothers in the opening match needs to bounce back and for this their midfield should put up a superlative performance and the forwards need to find the target.

Much will depend on Bibiano Fernandes, Micky Fernandes, Joseph Pereira, Cavin Lobo and Bisheshwar Singh in the midfield and new foreign recruit Junior Elijah, Freddy Mascarehas or Lavino Fernandes in the forward line.

UNI