Sporting to take on Prayag United in I-League tie on Sunday

Sporting Clube de Goa are rearing to draw their first blood when they take on Kolkata`s Prayag United in their lung opener at the I-League on Sunday at Nehru Stadium.

Margao (Goa): Sporting Clube de Goa are rearing to draw their first blood when they take on Kolkata`s Prayag United in their lung opener at the I-League tomorrow at Nehru Stadium.

Sporting has so far failed to impress in the Federation Cup and Durand Cup where they have bowed out early. But their good showing in the ongoing Professional League tournament where they are leading after seven games should raise their confidence. Both the teams met each other in the Federation Cup where Sporting crashed out and is desperate to settle the score. Former Churchill Brothers player, Kalu Ogba, is the man Sporting will be looking to control the midfield along with Adil Khan who has shown a lot of promise. Besides Keita Bobakar, South Sudanese striker James Moga, who earned reputation of being the highest scorer in the Bangladesh Pro League, is the one the Sporting has pinned hopes on. Sporting have some gifted youngsters like Vitorino Fernandes, Macroy Peixoto, Joyner and Jovel Martins to take note of. Sporting coach Ekendra Singh is confident that his team will put a good performance. "It`s our first match and the boys are all excited to give their best. Prayag United have played well in the Federation Cup and Durand Cup where they finished as runners-up against Churchill Brothers and have beaten us in the Federation Cup. We are expecting to do well against them and win tomorrow to start our League campaign on a winning note," said Singh. With the league expected to be very tough, our first aim is to save relegation and for that start is important which will help us to keep the winning momentum intact, he said. For Prayag United, which put up a solid performance in the Federation Cup and Durand Cup, playing without injured players Josimar and Devdas, is a challenge. "We have beaten Sporting in the Federation Cup and hopefully we beat them tomorrow also. They have the home support and we will have to put our best foot to emerge winners," said Prayag United coach Sanjoy Sen. PTI