Churchill Brothers to clash against Sporting in NFL tie tom

Duler,Goa Jan 6 (UNI) Federation Cup finalist Sporting club de Goa will begin their compaign against another local outfit Churchill Brothers in the 11th National Football League championship tie at Duler ground Mapusa in North Goa tomorrow.

Sporting appears to be well balanced team both on paper and as per its performance but can hardly afford to be complacent as Churchill are known for their steady approach.

Sporting coach Clifford Chukwuma said he was happy with the team performance and looking for full points from the opening match itself. Though the Federation cup remained disappointed, the players know that NFL success can wipe out those bitter memories.

He said ''Churchill is a good team, it performed well in the Federation cup as well as in the state professional league,'' he pointed out.

The coach's only worry is forward line which is not coverting chances into goals though it has talented Nicholas Rodrigues, Nicholau Borges and ace Dudu Omagbhemi in the ranks.

Their midfield comprises Nicholas Rodrigues, Jagidish Pappiah, Harmanjot Kabra, Joseph Pereira.

Sporting defence is in the safe hands of Felipe Gomes, Mathew Gonsalves, Rajesh Meetei and Bello Rasaq.

Churchill coach Karin Bencharifa said, ''Ours is a good team and if combines well can change any game. We don't depend on individual player and unity of our team is our strength.'' Sporting club de Goa is more organised, fitter and attack minded team and out of the four matches in the four rounds before the break of the the NFL, Sporting is the toughest opponent for his team, he said and added,''We will play to our potential and try our best to put it across them.'' Churchill would heavily depend on their potent strike force Nigerians Odafa Okonji, George Ekeh and Dripesh Dessai to deliver the goods. Chitra Sen, Khemtang Paite and Roque Barreto will man the mid-field.

The defence will be in the safe hands of Robert Lalthamba, Kenya's Nicholas Myuti, Naoba Singh and Vinu Jose or Selwyn Fernandes.

As both the teams will battle it out for points. It is going to be the an interesting match.

UNI