I-League Media Team

GOA: Sporting Clube de Goa and Mumbai FC come face to face in a crucial relegation battle in the Hero I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.

Sporting Clube de Goa are placed at the bottom of the pool with 10 points from 14 matches. But the Goan side will be bolstered by their first win grabbed in the last game against Salgaocar FC and will be looking to close the gap on Mumbai FC, placed seventh with 14 points from 13 matches.

“This is a very important game. If we win, we will be seven points clear of the relegation zone but if we lose, the difference between us and Sporting Clube, who are now at the bottom, will be just a point. It’s important that we win,” said Mumbai FC manager Henry Picardo.

Picardo was doing the pre-match media duties since chief coach Khalid Jamil has been suspended for four matches and not available in the dug out. Mumbai FC will also miss influential Japanese midfielder Taisuke Matsugae.

“We have done a few mistakes which have cost us matches in the second phase. We must avoid making such silly mistakes,” said Picardo.

Sporting Clube coach Mathew D’Costa that his team is now on the right track after finally breaking the shackles and registering their first win in the confidence.

“The win has done the team’s confidence a world of good. Of course we know this will not be an easy game but we are determined and up for the challenge,” said Costa.

Even star striker Odafa Okolie was feeling confident that Sporting Clube can continue with their winning ways, particularly against Mumbai FC a team that can challenge them in the relegation battle.

“I am happy that I scored in the last game which happened to be our first win after 13 matches. It is important that we continue to play in the same manner and all players support each other,” said Odafa.

Kick-off: 22-04-2015 @ 4:30 PM
Hashtag: #SCGvMUM