Margao, Apr 28: Having scripted their first AFC Cup win against Al Arouba of Oman without their several key players, Salgaocar are looking to keep the momentum going when they face Chirag United of Kerala tomorrow, in their penultimate match of the I-League championship here.
Salgaocar, who failed to progress further in the AFC Cup and also defend the I-League title, are placed seventh with 40 points from 24 matches, and coach Karim Bencherifa is hoping his team win their next two matches and attain a respectable position at the end of the league.
Striker Ryuji Sueoka, back in the side after recovering from calf muscle injury, will add more teeth to the attack in the absence of Edeh Chidi, who has not yet recovered from his injury. Defender Augustin Fernandes and medio Gilbert Oliveira are also out due to injury.
Salgaocar coach Bencherifa said the team's spirit is high after they won their first match of the AFC Cup against Al Arouba without several key players.
“My boys showed a lot of character and determination to beat Al Arouba. I am confident they will put up the same performance tomorrow against Chirag United who are relegated and will play for pride,” stated Bencherifa. Chirag, relegated from the championship, have only 17 points from 24 matches.
“We are going to play for pride in our next two matches and try to win them. The pressure is on Salgaocar to perform, but they will have the home advantage. We have to play to our potential against the hosts,” stated Biswajit Bhattacharya, Chirag's coach.
