Date:23/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/23/stories/2006042308481800.htm

Sport - Football

Mahindra, Dempo coaches optimistic

Panaji: Coaches of both Mahindra United and Dempo are optimistic of their team's qualification in the second round of the AFC Cup football home matches to be played here.

Mahindra will play its first home match against Al Muharraq, Bahrain, on April 25. Zee Sports will telecast the match live.

Mahindra manager Henry Menezes said, ``we have raised the standard of the team and coach Derrick Pereira had moulded the team well. Our team also has a good bench strength.''

Mahindra is third in Group `A' with three points from three drawn matches, while Al Muharraq, which has seven points, leads the group and has almost ensured itself of a berth in the second round.

Al Ahed of Lebanon, placed in the same group, which was held 2-2 by Mahindra is second with four points.

Meanwhile, Dempo coach Arman Colaco said ``we are prepared to face the international club. We will give a good fight in home matches as there will be more crowd support.'' — UNI