Salgaocar take on in-form Arrows

Margao: Salgaocar Sports Club are confident that they can secure their first I-League victory when they face Pailan Arrows in a third round clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday (October 28).

Salgaocar have just one point from two matches and are desperate for their maiden victory. And, certainly it can’t get better if they can start winning from their first home match of the season.

Interim coach Peter Valles has no doubt that the players will rise to the occasion. Valles is deputising for Karim Bencherifa, who is serving his one month notice period as he is taking charge of Mohun Bagan next month.

“We cannot afford to mess up in this match. We are without a win from two matches and we are playing our first match at home. It is imperative that we win three points and nothing less,” said Valles.

Valles said that although Bencherifa had stepped down, the mood in the team was upbeat. The players are quite charged up after Bencherifa had a word with the team on Saturday and asked the players to continue to give their best.

Valles admitted that he would only continue with the way Bencherifa had been practicing right from the start of the season.

“There will not be too many changes either in the team composition or the formation. We are ready,” said the former technical director.

The Salgaocar coach was all praise for their young rivals, Pailan Arrows, and felt they had the abilities to spring a major surprise.

“We cannot afford to take them lightly. They are a young side and from what I have seen of them, they can be a major threat. They have won both their matches, so they will take the field with confidence at an all-time high,” said Valles.

Salgaocar lost their opening clash against United Sikkim Football Club and then settled for an away draw against Shillong Lajong Football Club. Pailan Arrows have surprised many and they now have six points, maximum possible after the end of the second round.

The kick-off is at 5.30pm.