Dempo look to consolidate position against ONGC

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Oozing with confidence holders Dempo Sports Club (Goa) take on ONGC in a sixth round I-League match at the Ambedkar stadium. In the 6th I-League, Dempo is at present topping the table with 13 points from five matches. In contrast ONGC is amongst the bottom placed teams on two points from five matches. So Dempo, thrice I-League winners, are favourites to take three points.

However in Delhi, ONGC has acquired a minor reputation as a giant killer. They led high-flying Prayag United 1-0 before conceding a last minute equalizer. Last Friday they foiled the rampaging Odafe Onyeka Okolie and held Mohun Bagan to a goalless draw. Coach Subrata Bhattacharya (Jr) is satisfied with the shape of his team and defensive organisation but feels there is a distinct weakness in the scoring area. ONGC rely a lot on the exciting Liberian Eric P. Brown and the roving Japanese attacking midfielder Yusa Katsumi for goals.

But scoring goals against Dempo is not easy. Their international goalkeeper Subashish Roy Chowdhury is in good form and was man of the match in the 2-1 win against United Sikkim FC. The defence is also compact with ex-international Mahesh Gawli, Cresan Antao and Debabrata Roy in commanding form.

Dempo has the most exciting quartet of midfielders in the country. Internationals Anthony Pereira on the right and Clifford Miranda on the left provide thrust on the flanks, accurate crosses and sound work rate. Recently retired international midfielder Climax Lawrence is the playmaker and he is ably supported by the midfield dynamo Peter Carvalho, man of the match in the last two rounds.

It is in midfield that Dempo could over run ONGC unless Brown, Katsumi and ex-international Jatin Bisht will have to work over time to curb the champions’ free-flowing passing game. Establishing midfield supremacy will be the decisive factor in this match.

Even though Dempo has lost their prolific striker Ranti Martins, transferred to Prayag united this season they are still formidable upfront. Their Japanese recruit from Salgaocar, Ryuji Sueoka, is a clever finisher and is their top scorer so far with six goals from five matches. He is ably supported by the bustling Nigerian Koko Sakibo or international Joaquim Abranches. It is to be seen if coach Armando Colaco uses their high profile English striker Rohan Ricketts in this match. Rickets has so far only copme on occasionally as a substitute. ONGC’s defence ably led by Nigerian Hassan Mohammed Adeola and Robin Gurung will have to be alert to block Dempo’s variety of attacking moves.

Dempo’s clever pass and move brand of possession football will be seen in Delhi after three years. They last played here in the 2009 Durand tournament, losing in the semi finals to Churchill Brothers. As the festive season has just got over a good crowd is expected to witness the champion club of India at the Ambedkar stadium.

16 November Fixtures: ONGC vs Dempo SC at Ambedkar stadium, Delhi at 2.45p.m.