They made history by becoming the first Indian club to make the semi-finals of the AFC Cup, but Dempo are hoping to take a good shot at a bigger slice of history.

The Goan giants take on Lebanese side Safa in the first leg of their AFC Cup semi-final in Beirut on Tuesday, and coach Armando Colaco admits that the team will not get carried away going for the glory right away.

“We have watched videos of their matches, they are a good side. And since they are playing in their own backyard, it will be a tough match for us,” Colaco told The Indian Express.

“We had a light session today so that our players can be fresh for the game tomorrow. We will try hard to get three points, but we will be content with a draw so that we can capitalise on the home advantage when we play them on October 21 (in Goa).”

For all practical purposes, Dempo have a fair shot at going one step further, as playing the home leg second has always been an advantage in home-and-away formats.

In-form players

Their line-up is in form as well, with striker Roberto Mendes Silva — combining well up front with Ranty Martins. India defender Mahesh Gawli leads a well-knit back-four that includes the impressive Samir Naik, while left-winger Nicolau Borges is one of the most exciting players in the I-League.

If there is one cause for concern, it is the last line of defence, with first-choice goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal struggling to recover from a thigh injury. Colaco has picked two extra custodians as back-up in the squad, with Tyson Caiado ready to step in under the bar should Mondal fail to make the cut.

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