Churchill plot Bagan’s downfall
Bhubaneswar, March 31: Having defeated Delhi Dynamos in the qualifiers, Churchill Brothers will be eyeing a second victory when they lock horns with Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan in the prequarterfinals of Super Cup here on Sunday.
“Yes, we got the sweeter result the other day but it’s a new test tomorrow. We have played Mohun Bagan twice this season but couldn’t garner a single point. We are aware of their football acumen and we respect them,” coach Alfred Fernandes said.
Newly- recruited striker Willis Plaza bombed a brace in the qualifiers to propel the Red Machines to the Round of 16 and he’ll be the ‘ trump card’ for the Goan outfit on Sunday as well.
“Yes, you might term him as our trump card. We are in the hunt for the attacking spearhead and he fitted perfectly. But, at the end of the day, it’ll be a team effort and we need to get the job done collectively,” Fernandes said.
Meanwhile, skipper Monday Osagie said, Churchill have special plans for their counterparts including Dipanda Dicka, who wrapped the season with maximum goals in two consecutive Hero I- League seasons.
“Yes, I know him ( Dicka) very well. We played them twice and we all know how dangerous he can be in the box. We are very keen to prove our diligence tomorrow. Dicka is a great player but there are other players too who can be equally dangerous. We have plans not only for him but everyone.” Indian Super League finalists Bengaluru FC will look to get back to winning ways when they take on Gokulam Kerala FC in their Super Cup campaign opener at Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
Bengaluru’s Spanish coach Albert Roca stated that his boys are ready for the challenge no pressure.
“There isn’t much pressure, it’s a challenge. We’ve put a lot of energy into the ISL and we had a good season. It was a shame not to win the title, but I think we showed how strong and consistent we can be,” Roca said.
He said after the ISL silverware eluded them narrowly, it’s another chance to wrap up the season with a laurel and they’re up for the challenge. and under