I-League: Upbeat Dempo face EB Challenge

Margao: Upbeat after their win against Rangadejied United FC, Dempo FC are all set to face the challenge of East Bengal when they meet tomorrow in the return match of the I-League scheduled at Nehru Stadium here.

Both the teams go head-to-head with 19 points each. Dempo looks to be a well balance side after their latest new recruit defender Haroon Amiri and striker Tolgay Ozbey. Amiri who looks rock solid in the defence has the ability to move upfront and assist the forward, scored the second goal in their win against Rangadejied and coach Arthur Papas will be looking on him and Beto to keep the attack moving and punch hole in the rival defence and provide the space for Tolgay to strike along with Alwyn George. Papas is satisfied the way his team played against Rangadejied. The win has lifted the team`s confidence and are now looking to face the challenge of East Bengal. Its going to be a tough contest and closely fought as our team is looking to move up the ladder," stated Papas. While East Bengal coach Armando Colaco who will be playing against his former club Dempo for the first time with whom he has won the I-League title for five times, will be looking for a win. East Bengal have now set their eyes on the I-League after they failed to win the Federation Cup and IFA shield, but they dropped points after drawing against Churchill Brothers in their last match and their next two matches against Dempo and Mohun Bagan is very important as they cannot afford to drop points further if they are to challenge table topper Bengaluru FC. Colaco is aware that his team failed to put up an organised game against Churchill Brothers with his strikers missing chances. He is now hoping that his team strike the right chord and win tomorrow which is vital as they play their next important match against Mohun Bagan at home on March 1.