Mahindra and Dempo coaches optimistic of qualification

Panaji, Apr 22 (UNI) Coaches of both Mahindra United and Dempo are optimistic of their team's qualification in the second round in the AFC Cup football home matches to be played in Goa at Nehru stadium Fatorda in Margao.

Mahindra will play their first home match against Muharraq- Baharain on April 25. Zee sports will telecast the match live.

Mahindra United team manager Henry Menezes told mediaperson here today that his team would arrive here during the day while Muharraq would be arriving tomorrow evening.

Mr. Menezes said ''we have raised the standard of the team and coach Derrick Pereira had moulded the team well. Our team also have a good bench.''Mahindra are placed third in group''A'' with three points from all three drawn matches, while Al Muharraq, who have seven points leading the group had almost ensured a berth in the second round. The Al Ahed of Lebanon in the same group, who held 2-2 by Mahindra are placed second with four points and also kept their hopes alive for the quarter final of the AFC Cup.

Mahindra drew against Muharraq- Behrain, Al Ahed- Lebanon and also Brothers Union- Bangaladesh, while Table toppers Mubarraq beat Al Ahed and Brothers Union and drew Against Mahindra.

Mr Menezes was very optimistic of a qualification as his team is fit and raring to go. He said ''we did not lose any match and hope to go all out in the home tie.'' ''Our two more matches in Goa will be on May 2 against Al Ahed and on May 16 against Brothers Union,'' Mr Menezes added.

Mr Menezes also thanked Goa Football Association for extending all support for organising the matches in Goa and added that Goa has always been a 'happy venue' for his team as it was here that his team had lifted the Federation Cup in last October.

Dempo Sports coach Arman Colaco said his team would play two home matches- on May 2 against Al Nasar and May 16 against MERV ( Turkministan), both matches would be played at Nehru Stadium Faorda in Margao.

Mr Colaco said his team had given good fight in last two matches and presently having one point with a drawn match against MERV and loss against Al Nasar by 3-1.

He said ''we are prepared to face the international club. We will give good fight in home matches with the support from the crowd.'' Goa Football Association(GFA)secretary Savio Messeis, who was also present, said '' we are all set to host the international football matches in Goa with all facilities of international standard.'' UNI SRN ADG AY VC1745