*Sporting Clube de Goa and East Bengal lock horns in I-League*
Sporting Clube de Goa will lock horns with Kingfisher East Bengal in round 1 of the I-League organised by the AIFF, at PJN Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday. The kick off time is 7pm. Sporting Goa came back from 1-3 down recently to eventually overcome East Bengal 4-3 in the Federation Cup, which many believed was the game of the tournament after Sporting Goa striker Victorino Fernandes netted a breathtaking hat-trick. East Bengal Coach Armando Colaco defended his team’s performance in the recent Federation Cup, as most of the players were away with the ISL franchises. “Many players were away playing under different coaches and different styles in the ISL with not much rest and rehabilitation,” reasoned Armando in the pre-match press conference. Armando further stated that he would give a few youngsters a chance in the absence of some experienced players. “Dudu (Omambemi), Lalrindika (Ralte), (Harmonjot) Khabra and Gurwinder (Singh) are not fully fit and the likes of Abhishek, Abhinas and Sukhwinder may get a chance,” stated Armando. Sporting Goa Coach Mathew D’Costa expects this match to be just as exciting as the recent Fed Cup game. He had a few players who were doubtful with injury. The biggest loss will be Boima Karpeh who has not fully recovered from a knee injury. “Ogba Kalu and Anthony Wolfe will be the only two foreigners available for the game,” explained Mathew. Incidentally, the two clubs met at the same venue on the opening day two seasons back, where Sporting Goa playing with absolutely no foreigners managed to punch above their weight to hold East Bengal to a goalless draw in what was another thrilling encounter between the two sides. PHOTO: (Left to right) East Bengal’s Arnab Mondal, East Bengal Coach Armando Colaco, SCG Coach Mathew D’Costa and SCG Captain Anthony Wolfe, at the Pre-match press conference. -- CONNECT WITH US: www.sportingclubedegoa.com www.sportingclubedegoa.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/sportingclubedegoa.officialpage www.twitter.com/sportingoa
