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Salgaocar Sports Club are keen to extend their fine run in six matches — where they have collected 16 points — as they gear for a no-holds-barred battle against Churchill Brothers in the 16th round I League match at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday.
Salgaocar had a shaky start but in the last six matches they have collected more points than any other team in the competition and are now feeling confident that they are as good, if not better, than any of the top four teams vying for the title.
“I do not see any reason why we should not be able to extend our fine run. The confidence is high, the morale of the team in training is high and everyone is raring to go. I think we are in a good frame of mind to take on Churchill,” said Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa
Salgaocar will be strengthened with the return of star striker Edeh Chidi from injury and midfielder Ishfaq Ahmed from suspension. A couple of other players who were nursing injuries have also regained fitness.
“We have done really well in the last six matches and the credit should go to the players. Churchill is also a strong side, they have done well in the league but as I always say we fear no team,” explained Bencherifa.
Salgaocar will also be looking to collect full points a result that will see them move a step closer to being in the top three. The defending champions have 25 points in their kitty and are placed sixth at the moment
Churchill Brothers were grounded by Mohun Bagan at Fatorda in their previous clash here but the former champions responded well by securing a 2-0 victory against Shillong Lajong FC. Churchill are aware that they cannot afford to drop any more points as the title race gets tighter.
“There is no room for error. We must take full points from this match,” said manager Danzie Ferrao.
