Do-or-die situation for Mahindra when they clash against Al Ahed

Margao, May 1 (UNI) It will be a do-or-die situation for Federation Cup champions Mahindra United when they clash against Lebanon's Al Ahed in their second home match in group''A'' in the AFC Cup football tie at the Nehru Stadium Fatorda here tomorrow.

In the second match under floodlights at the same venue, defending NFL champions, Dempo Sports Club, in their first home leg match, will be looking forward to improving their position in group ''B'' when they lock horns with Oman's Al Nasr later in the evening.

Al Nasr has already qualified for the quarterfinals with nine points from three outings. The fight for qualification of the second best team in group 'B' will be decided between India's Dempo and Turkeministan's Merv as both are tied with one point each from two outings.

In group 'A', Bahrain league champion Al Muharraq has already made it to the second round with ten points from four outings.

Mahindra United, placed third with three points are four points behind second-placed Al Ahed having seven points. Brothers Union have been able to pick up just one point from as many matches.

Al Ahed need another win to qualify for the quarterfinals, while Mahindra United also desperately need an outright win in the crucial tie to keep themselves in the hunt.

Al Ahed, which is one the strongest teams in Lebanon, had arrived in Goa yesterday. They had trounced Bangaldesh's Brothers Union 6-2 to cement their position behind Al Muharraq.

Dempo coach Arman Colaco said, ''My boys will make all out efforts for a win against Al Nasr seeking home advantage, although it will be a challenge.'' Dempo do have the potential to upset Al Nasr's apple cart as the boys have displayed their class in the first leg tie, he aded.

''Despite holding the upper hand, we lost due to defensive lapse. We have worked out our strategy and prepared to face Al Nasr in Goa,'' Mr Colaco said while admitting that though they had a good forward line, the defence has been a major cause of worry.

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