Kolkata: Table-toppers Chirag United SC will look to exploit the home advantage and secure full points against Salgaocar SC when the two teams meet in a seventh round I-League match at Vidyasagar Krirangan in Barasat on Friday.
United SC, who are yet to lose a game, have 12 points from six matches and share the lead with Dempo SC who are slightly ahead on goal difference. Three points against Salgaocar will consolidate their position in the I-League standings.
The local team’s coach Subrata Bhattacharya is upbeat about his team’s show and said the secret of their success is team work.
“We have combined well this season and it’s the hardwork of the entire unit which is paying off. But there is still a long way to go in the I-League, we have to be careful and guard against complacency,” Bhattacharya said.
In their last match in Kolkata, Salgaocar SC struck a late goal via Nigerian striker Eneke Ikenwa against East Bengal to deny the red-and-gold brigade their first win.
Besides Ikenwa, the Goan side has Brazilian Luciano Sabrosa as their second foreigner, while left winger Avneet Singh is in their team roster under the Player of Indian origin (PIO) quota. Coached by American Tim Hankinson, Salgaocar have Rouhallah Saminia of Iran in the Asian player quota.
The side also has the experience of Kalyan Chaubey under the bar, while Indian forward Manjit Singh will lead the attack up front along with in-form Ikenwa. Rocus Lamare and Chandam Chitrasen Singh will be the team’s midfielders.
The coach said they were looking forward to stop the unbeaten run of Chirag and are confident to get three points from the away match.
“Our boys are gelling well and coming up with decent show lately. We will look to secure three points from the match,” Hankinson told reporters after their practice here on Thursday morning.
Expressing confidence in his side, Salgoacar captain Sabrosa said, “We have a strong team. The addition of some experienced players has made the team more competitive.”
Bureau Report