Margao: Churchill Brothers will look to turn things around as they take on Persipura Jayapura of Indonesia in a must situation in the penultimate round of the Group ‘E' league match of AFC Cup, played at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda here tomorrow.
Persipura Jayapura, who are unbeaten with three wins and a draw, are leading the table with ten points from four matches.
A win or a draw tomorrow will see them the first team to qualify from this group. While Churchill Brothers who have won two and lost two have six points are four points behind the Persipura.
The clash is equally important for both the teams as Persipura, who have beaten Churchill Brothers at home, just needs a draw to advance for the next round.
While Churchill Brothers cannot afford to lose tomorrow as it will jepordise their chance to make it to the knockout stage.
Churchill Brothers' head coach Mariano Dais said, “Tomorrow's match is very important for us to qualify for the next round. We will be determined to get a win tomorrow and move to the next round.”
He also pointed out that at least four of his regular first XI players, Ravanan, Saran Singh, Lenny Rodrigues and Satish Singh will be out of action due to suspension and injury, but the team is up for the challenge.
When asked if striker Cristhian Lagos, who was instrumental in both their home win against New Radiant and Home United, will not be playing tomorrow as he has left for home for personal reason and his absence will be felt at this juncture.
Goalkeeper Lalit Thapa said, “We have to play all the tournaments with same passion and dedication. As players each and every game is important for us and we always have to give out the best and hoping for positive result.”
Persipura Jayapura have arrived in Goa with a lot of confidence as they sit pretty on the top of the table.
They are also taking confidence from the fact that they have already won their home fixture against the Red Machines.
Head coach Thiago Jacksen said, “Tomorrow's game is very important for us and if we win, we can be rest assured that we are going into the next round so we will try our best to get a positive result.”
He added that two players - Korean midfielder Im Jun Sik and Eddie Foday of Liberia- have been suspended (for tomorrow's match).
“But that is not new for us. We have played against New Radiant without four players and won. So we have players, who can fill their void,” Thiago stated.
When asked if weather will make a difference in tomorrow's match, he said, “Everything is different...the weather and food and Churchill Brothers, who lost against at home, have improved a lot and are a big team, who will fight like lion and we have to be prepared to play our best against them,” he said.
