IFL: Dempo at full strength for Gokulam challenge

Panaji: Dempo SC will have all their six foreign players available for the first time in the Indian Football League (IFL) as they eye their first victory of the campaign when they face Gokulam Kerala FC at the Payyanad Stadium, Manjeri, on Friday.
After three games, Dempo have two draws and a defeat, but the five-time national champions are keeping calm and know they are just a win away from getting into rhythm.
“We have been doing well but some results didn’t go our way,” coach Samir Naik said during the pre-match media interaction on Thursday.
Dempo came back strongly for a crucial 2-2 draw against Chanmari FC in the last game. They are seventh in the 10-team league.
Two-time champions Gokulam are also in a similar situation as they have two points from three games but are bottom of the league standings on goal difference.
“All teams in the league are strong. The table shows it all. There is not much difference between the top and the bottom teams. It’s going to be a tight league,” said Samir.
Dempo started their pre-season in August, but their preparations were interrupted due to growing uncertainty in Indian football. Their five foreigners -- Marcus Joseph (Trinidad and Tobago), Aubin Kouakou (Ivory Coast), Jose Moreno (Colombia), Sebastian Gutierrez (Colombia) and Richmond Owusu (Ghana) joined just before the start of the league. Argentinian Damian Perez arrived only last week. All are now available for selection against Gokulam.
“Every team is trying very hard. The league format is such that you have to get something positive out of every game, otherwise any team can struggle,” said Samir.
In the last meeting between the two sides on the final matchday last season, Gokulam were still in fray for the title and the tie produced seven goals with Dempo emerging 4-3 winners.
Dempo have two more away fixtures before they return to play the remaining four games at home and Samir will want to make the most of it.
“If you want to be in the better half of the league, then we must give our best. This game won’t be easy. We want to be in a safer area to challenge for the title. These are still early days,” said Samir.
The kick off is at 4pm.