Having got back to winning ways, a rejuvenated Dempo FC are now looking to maintain the momentun when they lock horns against Pune FC tomorrow in the I-League football tournament match, here tomorrow.
Hit hard by injuries to key players, Dempo lacked finishing in the absence of Tolgay Ozbey and Romeo Fernandes that saw them draw seven matches with only two victories from their 12 games.
Dempo are currently placed seventh with 13 points. But the win against Mumbai FC in the last match have boosted their confidence and are looking to keep the winning monentum going from now on.
Dempo's assistant coach Mauricio Afonso said that his team prepared well to take on Karim Bencharifa's side.
"Our boys are playing well but finishing has been our main problem. But the return of Tolgay will strengthen our strike force and I hope we win tomorrow against our visitors with whom we drew in our away match," stated assistant coach Afonso.
Pune FC too had a topsy-turvey run in the I-League as they placed fourth with 20 points from 13 matches. Their confidence took a beating after losing to East Bengal and Bencherifa is aware that he cannot afford to lose from now on.
"We started the season very well, but recently our form dipped down and there are many reasons for that. We missed many players due to injuries and that has affected our team performance.
"The defeat in the last match against a strong East Bengal side affected our confidence. I have players, who can handle the pressure but almost half of my team is missing. We are underlining that situation and working to rectify our mistakes," said Bencherifa.
The Moroccan was all praise for Dempo.
"Dempo is a team with lot of talented as well as experienced players. Dempo is the team that I respect a lot and I expect a tough encounter. We have injuries to three key players- Ishfaq Ahmed, Raju Gaikward and Marcelino. But the good news is that Dhanpal Ganesh is back in the side after serving one match suspension," Karim concluded.
