Air India to clash Churchill in I League match tomorrow

Margao, Nov 17 (UNI) A keen battle is on the cards when Air India will cross swords against Churchill Brothers in the ONGC I League Football Championship match to be played here at Nehru stadium Fatorda tomorrow.

The two teams seem to be equally balanced though Air India might find it a little diffcult to contain the attacking line of Churchill Brothers, specially Odafe Okolie who is the top goal getters so far with 10 goals.

Air India is currently placed second with 15 points from eight outings with four wins, three draws and a defeat. Churchill Brothers, have 13 points with three wins four draws and a defeat from equal number of outings, are two points behind the visitors.

The clash is bound to electrify the atmosphere as both the teams will fight it out for full points to improve their showing.

Churchill brothers have put in a disciplined performace in the high profile league so far with their key strikers Odafe Okolie showing maturity in every outing. Odafe, with 10 goals to his credit, is the highest scorer in the championship so far but cannot afford to be complacent against Air India, which also appears to be equally matching in the midfield, attack and defence line of Churchill Brothers.

Churchill should also be wary of the fact that Air India have only conceded six goals. This also speaks for their strong defence line.

Air India Coach Bimal Ghosh said, '' Churchill is a good team, and playing before the home crowd will be an added advantage for them.'' ''But we will give good fight and try to snatch points. We are not worried about the particular player in Churchill team but our main worry is referee for tomorrow's match, hope, he officiates the match without any pressure. Subash Singh will be out tomorrow as he is booked with two yellow cards,'' the coach added.

Churchill Manager Danzil Ferrai said though his team performed well it could not convert the opportunites into the goals. He said the boys knew that it is a crucial match and will make all out efforts to gain points.

Churchill is a wellknit team with Odafe Okolie and Felix combing as a potent strike force. Air India too lookes menancing both on paper and performance and will be depending heavily on Surojit Roy, Socour Velho, Samson Singh, Machael Toyo and Ravinder Singh to deliver the goods.

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