Uphill task for Vasco against Churchill Brothers

Margao, Oct 24 (UNI) Well balanced Durand Cup runners up Churchill Brothers have a chance to garner full points when they lock horns against bottom placed Vasco Sports Club, in their ONGC I League match to be played here at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda, tomorrow.

Churchill Brothers, presently with seven points from three outings with two wins and a draw, look menancing with a formidable strike force strengthened by prolific Nigerian Odafe Okolie. All eyes will be on Odafe, who scored four goals (a brace against Mahindra United and Sporting Club de Goa). He and Felix Chimao Kwu combine well up front.

Ogba Kalu, Genius Zenith and Chitrasen Chinta or Raisang Vashum make a superb trio in the middle. The defence will be manned by Naoba Singh, Govind Singh and Gouramangi Singh.

Churchill Manager Denzil Ferrao said his team is in an upbeat mood, after thrashing Sporting Club De Goa 3-0 in the last encounter and is looking for another win tomorrow with the same spirit.

''Inspite of Vasco's recent loss, we will not underestimate them as they are known for their steady approach,'' he said.

''Our dependable defender L Robert, who is nursing his injury will be doubtful starter tomorrow, but we have a good bench to pick up in his place,'' Ferrao added.

Vasco, who had a bad start from lung opener have not really been impresive so far. Their main concern is the form of Uzbekistan recruits in the midfield defence and in the forward line have not found their ryhthm and not been able to to convert chances into goals. Their forward Ravshan Teshabnev has only goal in his name.

Their mid field have to take on some more burden and Minino Fernandes and Sherzod Nazarov need to show more enterprise. The defence too have to work overtime, in order to conatain the marauding Churchill forward line, espcially Odafe, who is a dangerous player.

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