All the Goans in U.A.E please come in full force & support Dempo Sports Club. Defending I-League champions, Dempo Sports Club are confident of getting a positive result from Wednesday?s AFC Champions League play-off match against Al Sharjah club in the play-off match, which kicks off at 7 p.m. local time. It will be a do or die battle for both teams, as the winners will qualify for the group phase of the prestigious competition, which has been revamped by the AFC this year. The vibrant Dempo SC had the first feel of the local conditions on Monday evening as the entire team led by their dynamic coach Armando Colaco, practiced at the Al Sharjah SC complex at a lush green playfield. With the plush complex hosting the Sharjah club?s own floodlit stadium, the Dempo team was more than satisfied with the day?s practice, although it was light in nature. Keeping in mind that the team had to endure the travel hassles and also overcome tiredness after playing their previous I-League match on Friday against Air-India at the Cooperage, coach Armando Coalco said he opted for a light practice just enough to keep the players warmed up for the day. With the weather quite apt for the 4 p.m. training on Monday, the team is looking forward to tomorrow?s 7 p.m. training at the main stadium, which should give them the right kind of acclimatization needed for match day. ?The boys are doing fine and we are all prepared for the all-important clash on Wednesday,? stated Armando Colaco after Monday?s training. India?s most renowned club coach also added that playing in the AFC Champions League competition was also a matter of great pride for Dempo club. ?Right now the entire focus is on winning the match against Al Sharjah and the boys are trading their guns on that job,? a confident Armando said. The team has also watched a CD of Al Sharjah?s recent match and going by that Armando feels that Dempo have the credentials to beat them. ?It may be advantage Sharjah as they are playing on home ground. But let me tell you it?s all about creating chances and putting the ball into the rival net. That?s the ultimate thing,? Armando asserted. On Al Sharjah, Armando, said: ?They seem to be a good side. From the CD evidence I feel they are content with crowding tactics and might opt for a defensive plan. But we too have a definite plan to counter them.? Team manager, Custodio Alemida added it is a matter of great pride for Dempo SC to qualify for the AFC Champions League and having already made history last year by making the semis grade of AFC Cup, the club could not have asked for more exposure at this level. ?The AFC exposure over the last two seasons has definitely made the team more mature and I am confident of a positive outcome on Wednesday,? Almeida added. Meanwhile, if the Dempo-Al Sharjah match ends in a draw in regulation time, the result will be decided in extra-time and if the deadlock persists, tie-breaker shall be employed as it is a play-off tie. source : navhindtimes.com
