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Sporting looks favourite against Sesa

Sporting Clube de Goa`s impressive performance against Malabar United will give them the edge over Sesa Football Academy.

Panaji: Sporting Clube de Goa`s impressive performance against Malabar United will give them
the edge over Sesa Football Academy when they both meet each other on Friday at Tilak Maidan, Vasco in the finals of the group `B` Preliminary knock out round of the Federation Cup. The win for either will see them qualify for the quarter-finals league starting from September 21. Sporting, who got relegated from the I-League, started their season campaign with a thumping 6-0 win over Malabar United, Kochi in their opening match of the Federation Cup qualifier group `B` round. The win has raised their confident and are now looking to beat Sesa Academy tomorrow. "The boys are looking in good shape and have combined well as a team against Malabar United and I am happy with their performance but they need to work hard as they play against another Goan side who are familiar with their style of playing," Sporting coach Alex Alvares said. "The ground condition is not favourable to us as we are used to playing on hard ground whereas it is ideal for our opponent who are used to playing on slushy ground," he said. "I have watched their match against Vasco, they play a hard game and we need to be extra vigilant at the rear. I expect a good contest," said Alvares. Sesa, who managed to pip Vasco, have to thank the good work that came to their rescue thrice when Joy Ferrao`s attempt to the goal hit the bar on all occasions. Sesa Coach Clifford Chukwuma knows that his lads need to put up a better performance, specially the midfield who lacked the coordination to build moves upfront. Striker Lezly Fernandes, who score the lone goal, gave good account of himself upfront with his speed run and coach Chukwuma will be banking on him for victory. PTI