MARGAO, January 15: Salgaocar's stocks in the National Football League (NFL) have surely soared this season. With their confidence soaring, coach Shabbir Ali looks forwards to a win that will catapult the Federation Cup winners to third position in the table -- behind FC Kochin and Air-India -- with a victory over Indian Bank (Chennai) in the NFL encounter here, at the Fatorda Stadium, tomorrow.But a reminder of the travails last season exists in the form of injuries to key striker -- India skipper Bruno Coutinho (hamstring), Jules Alberto (ankle), a persistent groin strain endured by veteran Savio Medeira and an abdominal injury sustained by Roberto Fernandes against Churchill Brothers that is likely to keep the key defender out tomorrow.
While Coutinho stands a chance of playing, fellow forward Jules Alberto will almost surely miss the match, putting the burly Nigerian Jude Odegah on. But there's no denying the buoyancy in Salgaocar's camp despite these setbacks. The shocks win over FC Kochin has
lifted the morale of the side and Shabbir Ali, stepping in for the troubled Chattuni, now serving Calcutta side Mohun Bagan, has won the confidence and support of the popular Goan side.
Salgaocar, on eight points from five matches, are clear notches ahead of their Chennai adversaries Indian Bank, but one can never rule out the bankmen. Remember last season's qualification stage when the Chennai side came from nowhere to progress in the League by humbling Mohammedan Sporting in Calcutta. More recently, a comprehensive win over defending champions JCT.
Manager CV Sundar is quietly confidence, even as he acknowledges the enormity of his team's task against Salgaocar at home. Indian Bank will miss the services of defender and former India captain V Sathyan who collected a red card in the last match against Air-India in Mumbai which they lost 1-2.
Further sadness in the demise of goalkeeper Felix Edwards' father which saw the second-choice 'keeper fly home this morning. Mid-fielder Jagannathan Balaji will
step in if needed in place of the first goalkeeper.
According to Sundar, unity is strength of a team devoid of big names.
Despite three defeats, one a mauling at the hands of FC Kochin, the team, according to Sundar, is stronger this season.
Ageing stars have phased out and there is plenty of promise held by Akam Mahesh Singh (ex-Dempo) and his midfield colleagues DC Nathaniel (ex-Mahindras), Karunakar Raj (ex-ITI, Bangalore) and Rajesh Kumar Pandey (Mahindras).
While Mukundan is likely to step in for the suspended Sathyan, the recovery of wing-back Merlin Camalas from a knee injury augurs well for the team prospects.
The cynosure, of course, will be mercurial striker, international Syed Sabir Pasha, despite Sundar's belief that Indian Bank lack stars.
Currently second from bottom with three points from four matches, the Chennai bankmen, fifth last season, will aspire for three points and a healthier sixth position.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
