MARGAO, February 6: Air-India coach Bimal Ghosh assesses Mohan Bagan, FC Kochin and Churchill Brothers as teams with the calibre. Having played rather impressively, Air-India go into the second phase of the Philips National Football League, confident of taking on an upbeat Churchill Brothers at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Friday.After a successful home run, Ghosh is a happy man but does not sit back on the achievement. "It is a crucial tie. A win is what we are looking for if we have to make any impact at the top four spots."
Currently Air-India occupy the joint second position with KBL FC Kochin with 17 points from nine matches, but a better goal difference by the latter pushes the Mumbai team in third place. On the other hand, Churchill Brothers, who have pulled themselves back to their winning ways with three successive victories after refusing to playing East Bengal at Calcutta over the usage of a certain brand of ball, are in the seventh position with 11 points from nine matches.
Air-India beingthe unbeaten side in the 10-team league continue to be daunted by injuries. The latest to join the sick bay was Jacinto D'Silva who suffered a muscle strain, sustained during his side's practice session. Adds to it is the not-so-fit Godfrey Perreira and medio Taposh Ghosh.
Ghosh, however, is not looking at the handicap. Says he: "No doubt if these players were at their best we would be sitting pretty, but nevertheless we have got several utility players to choose from."
The good news for Air-India is that Henry Picardo and Nitin Shetty are fit and raring to go. About his opponents, Ghosh says: "Churchill are a good side and with the home advantage they will be tough to beat."
When questioned about the poor scoring of his team (nine goals from as many games), Ghosh says he was not concerned at the moment. "My boys are creating openings, which is good. After all, a win is all that matters, so if one goal does the trick it is more than enough."
"An attacking attitude" is Ghosh's plan of action,considering the fact that his team would miss the services of Nigerian Emeka Ezugo, who has picked up two yellow cards.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
