But with Manjeet Singh, goal getter for the Mumbai outfit, injured with stitches on his lip after colliding with a Nigerian under-trial at practice, Hakim's mood must be grim. More so with the doubt on captain and stopper Susantha Mazumdar who is recovering from a twisted knee and shapes as a doubtful starter for the Group B encounter. Further anxiety with the side-lining of Nigerian mid-fielder Adeshana Sadiq who suffered a groin strain in the last match against Indian Bank.

The litany goes on: Bangladeshi sweeper Munawar `Munna' Hussain flies home to Dhaka tonight to recoup from an operated knee and deep defender Syed Hussain is due to undergo knee surgery as well.

Manoj Jaggi, the goalkeeper has just about recovered from a collision with Nigerian teammate Lulu at trainingthat brought a bruised knee and a absenteeism in the 0-2 disaster against Indian Bank in Chennai. Hakim takes heart in his side's qualitative play, save the first dismal 0-3 result against hot-favourites Salgaoacar in Goa. A 2-1 win over Indian Telephone Industries (ITI), Bangalore, after being down by a goal provided a fillip. Mahindras will choose from PJ Jose, Harish Sharma, Kabui and Lulu in a three-man strike force but all said and done will sorely miss Manjeet's instincts up front.

The Nigerian Bernard bolsters the defence along with Rajesh Pandey, Shahi and Khalid but could miss Mazumdar's inspiration.

An adept mid-field, in which the ebullient Andrew Louis stands out hopes to help improve on a one-win, two-loss record.FC Kochin held mighty Salgaocar 2-2 at home in Quilon and exude a look of confidence. Manager CV Paul and coach A Sreedarhan were not satisfied with a 5-1 drubbing of Indian Bank, also at Quilon. They reflected on a host of chances missed by a talented but immature side comprisingeight India juniors.