HAL face tough task against Dempo

BANGALORE: HAL will look to lift their game, riding on the unwavering support of their followers, when they take on Dempo SC in a 12th round I-league match at the Sree Kanteerava stadium on Sunday evening.
HAL skipper J Murali said his team will go all out against the Goans who are still recovering from their 4-0 hammering by Air India at Kolhapur last Monday.Earlier, they also lost 1-3 to cross-town rivals Salgaocar Sports Club. "We want to do well in front of our supporters and we are confident of beating Dempo though it will be tough," HAL skipper J Murali said.
With Xavier Vijaykumar, who won three MVP awards this season, James Singh (Jr) and Rajendra Prasad doubtful starters and Vijesh Kumar (two yellow) and former junior India player Shankar (injury) ruled out, HAL will look to Nigerian forward Hamza to do the scoring but it won't be easy against Dempo who will be back to full strength with the return of the Asian Cuppers.
Dempo coach Armando Colaco hoped that the return of key players Mahesh Gawli, Climax Lawrence, Clifford Miranda and Subhasish Chowdhury, who did India duty in Doha, would lift the sagging morale of his outfit.
"Away matches are always tough and I don't consider the defeat at the hands of Air India as a major blow. Our boys have overcome the disappointment and are raring to go," Colaco told TOI.
He also said that his side would look for at least one point. "HAL have got good players in their ranks. I expect a stiff challenge from them. I won't be unhappy if we were held to a draw," he added.
Colaco, however, was critical about the condition at the Sree Kanteerava pitch. "It is not an ideal venue to conduct I-League matches. It's hard and uneven. But we have no other option but to play," he added.