MARGAO
Five-time National champions Dempo Sports Club and Inter Kashi FC are experiencing contrasting fortunes in the ongoing I-League, with the match kicking off at 3:30 pm at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Friday.
Dempo, after two early defeats, find themselves struggling in 6th place with just 6 points, while Inter Kashi has remained undefeated, sitting comfortably in 2nd place with 11 points from six matches. As both teams aim to either maintain or improve their positions, this encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
Dempo will be without several key players due to injuries, including midfielders Ariston Fernandes, Sahesh Bagkar, Vinay Harji, and defender Daniel Murmu. Despite the setbacks, Dempo's head coach Samir Naik remains determined to fight back, emphasizing the need for consistency. "We are aware that any complacency now could cost us dearly. But we will play our game, and we are confident of securing three points," Naik said.
Naik acknowledged the challenges his side faces but is optimistic about bouncing back. "We will make up for our losses in the upcoming matches and aim to rectify our mistakes. Our focus is solely on reviving Dempo’s status with wins," he added. Naik also respected Inter Kashi's strengths, highlighting their solid performance under their coach, and stressed that Dempo wouldn’t take the match lightly.
"We respect Inter Kashi. They're a strong team with good players, and we know it won't be easy to win," Naik remarked ahead of the match. "Our players are focused, and we are ready to challenge them. We respect their style of play, and we have been preparing accordingly."
On the other side, Inter Kashi head coach Antonio Habas expressed confidence after a solid pre-match preparation. "Our players have been training very well, and we are mentally in a good situation. We are ready for the challenge. It will be a tough match, but we will give our best to secure all three points," Habas said. "We have a great team spirit, and we look forward to continuing our winning streak."
As Dempo faces Inter Kashi in this crucial I-League encounter, both teams will be hoping to showcase their strength and determination to secure the victory.
Reflecting on the significance of Fatorda, Coach Samir shared, “It’s an emotional moment for me, personally. We’ve dominated this ground for the last decade, maybe 15 years. Teams used to fear us here. The PJN Stadium knows Dempo. I’m excited to return as a coach and make it work according to our plan.” He urged fans to support the team, saying, “We need their energy to make Fatorda our fortress once again and bring back the memories of Dempo’s golden days.”
Fast forward to today, Dempo SC come into this match with new ambitions and the hunger to make amends after a tough 0-2 loss to Churchill Brothers at Raia Ground. Sitting sixth in the table with 10 points from six matches, they know the importance of a win at home. With three wins, one draw, and two losses, they are poised to get back on track and reaffirm their place at the top.
Coach Samir also spoke about the team's mindset heading into the clash, “I feel that the boys are ready for the challenges. We have a very long way to go. There will be many ups and downs. But in each match, we will take it as a challenge. And I feel that we are ready for this game.”
