Salgaocar to lock horns with Md Sporting Statesman News Service KOLKATA,Jan. 20. - Former champions Salgaocar have their task cut out as they cross swords with a spirited Mohammedan Sporting in a ONGC Cup National Football League tie here tomorrow. With four points in their bag from two outings, the Goans would be striving for full points against a side that has made a return to the high-profile league after a year's gap. However, Mohammedan Sporting would be no pushovers. Spearheaded by the hard-working Nigerian striker Patrick Okonji, they upset Mohun Bagan 1-0 in their last match, and coach Mohammed Habib would be hoping his boys continue the momentum at the Salt Lake stadium tomorrow. The black-and-white brigade, on three points from two matches, had gone down 0-1 to city rivals East Bengal in the tournament opener, but displayed fine coordination and team effort against Mohun Bagan to eke out a victory.
Patrick has emerged not only as the pivot of the Sporting upfront, but also the fulcrum of the side in the creative zone. Palash Karmakar, Zimbabwe's David and Madhab Das are the other key players of the Kolkata outfit. Salgacar, who finished 1-1 with East Bengal in their previous match at the same venue, have a star-studded line up, with their creative medio Fabio Dos Passos, who scored the equaliser against East Bengal, capable of turning out to be the danger man for any opponent on his day. Striker Asim Biswas, making his way back onto the ground after a long injury-prompted lay-off, has also looked to be regaining his touch, and the Goans would be hoping for a good show from the player. Meanwhile, Dempo, who lost to Mahindra United, would be desperate to register their first win when they take on Air India at Nehru Stadium at Fatorda tomorrow, PTI adds from Margao. With two draws and a loss, tomorrow's tie is vital for Dempo as they need to collect full points to keep themselves among the top teams. Air India, who lost both their matches also need to win tomorrow to keep themselves away from relegation and upsurge their morale.
