AFC CUP KNOCK-OUT ROUND
Churchill Brothers to challenge Qadsiya today
Gasper Crasto for www.goa-world.com/
Kuwait: Churchill Brothers face Kuwait League Champions Qadsiya at Qadsiya
stadium later today in the AFC Cup knockout round of 16.Churchill Alemao
remains optimistic of his team’s chances ahead of the tie, to become the first
Indian club to win in Kuwait.
Mohun Bagan, Dempo, East Bengal, and Churchill have all lost (heavily) to
Kuwaiti clubs on previous attempts.
In the current season, Churchill Brothers relinquished their domestic title to
fellow Goan side, Dempo SC. Things don’t look very rosy for Churchill Brothers
as they are playing away from home in Kuwait, which brings back nightmare of
the recent 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Kuwait SC.
For sure, Qadsiya are a better side and carry a good reputation in Asian
football but its football and on any given day, you just never know. Other than
the home advantage, the present weather, hot and humid, looks favorable for
'Goan football'.
Churchill Bros will miss star left back Robert Lalthampuana due to injury, the
defender hasn’t travelled with the squad. But the 'home-town' Goans working in
Kuwait will get to see I-League's top scorer and highest paid player Odafa in
action. Odafa had missed the 7-1 drubbing from Kuwait SC due to yellow cards.
Ever with the team, and watching from the VIP stand, will be Churchill Brothers
patron and Goa's PWD Minister Shri Churchill Alemao.
Given the reputation of Qadsiya, Churchill's Brazilian coach Carlos is likely
to opt for a defensive strategy with five defenders, four medios and a lone
Odafa upfront. Qadsiya are a strong team, have beaten East Bengal 4-1 a few
weeks ago. Previously they have even made it to the AFC Champions League
semi-final and have even defeated Kuwait Sporting recently to stamp their
authority on no uncertain terms.
The match will start at sharp 6.45pm. Well, Churchill will have to defend as a
unit, not concede any goal and look for the opportunity to score, unlike their
last game against Kuwait Sporting where they all tried to be Ronaldos and
Messis.
Viva Churchill, Viva Goa and All the very Best!!!
Links:
http://gaspersworld.blogspot.com/
Kuwaiti 'soccer' overwhelms Churchill's Indian 'football ...
Churchill Bros to break the jinx of Indian loses in Kuwait?
A. Veronica's blog:KUWAITI SOCCER V/S GOAN FOOTBALL.
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