The Hindu : Keen contest on the cards

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 31, 2002

Sport

Sport - Football

Keen contest on the cards

BANGALORE, March 30. ITI meets HASC in the Tata National Football League here on Sunday. A keen contest is on the cards.

ITI is plagued by injuries, while HASC is wary after a 0-4 loss against East Bengal. But crowd support and the aggressive mood in ITI-HASC matches could well lend an extra edge in a match that should pack the Football Stadium here to the brim.

History and fitness favour HASC. The HASC men had earlier defeated their rivals in the opening rounds of the NFL. "We will go all out for a win,'' said HASC coach Chandrashekar. But a few worries do remain as the defeat against East Bengal still rankles. "We did not convert our half chances. But we are confident about tomorrow's game,'' said Chandrashekar.

The HASC strikes will be mounted on Raja Baliev Nurlan and Mulisa Jimmy, while goal-keeper Gumpe Rime aims to forget a patchy show against East Bengal. "Gumpe has had a bad match against East Bengal but has been consistent in the previous 17 games. We have to consider that too,'' Chandrashekar said.

HASC's injury worries pale into insignificance when compared to ITI. Mid-fielder Kenneth Momtav, nursing a nose injury, will be the lone HASC player to sit out.

The telephonemen in contrast are on pain killers. Striker Mike Okoro and John Ugwu are recuperating in their hospital beds while Syed Hussain, Firoz, Kenneth Onu and Raghubir Singh also remain on the injured list. Strikers George Ekeh and Mohammed Salisu along with Mahendra Mani will have the onerous task of leading the ITI charge while drawing succour from K.P. Dhanesh's presence in the defence.

ITI lost its last encounter against JCT at Ludhiana 1-2. However ITI coach Krishnaji Rao is banking on a resilient show from his lads despite injuries. The Telephonemen (27 pts) are keen to retain their marginal lead over HASC (25 pts) in the NFL sweepstakes.

If ITI can tide over injury worries and HASC plays true to its words, the fans well have a Sunday to cherish.— Our Sports Reporter

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport