Delhi in junior national semis but tough road lies ahead

“It’s a big blow for us,” chief coach and manager Ranjit Thapa told Sportline over phone from Bhilai.

Sharma has netted five of the nine goals for Delhi in the championship so far. “We played him against Chandigarh but he had to be replaced after the first half. It would be a big advantage if Ankit plays tomorrow,but right now the chances dim,” Thapa said.

There are more fitness concerns for Delhi,with midfielder Ajit Awasthi also likely to sit out,while right back John Mao has picked up two bookings and won’t be able to take the field either. “It’s clearly a big handicap,but we have faith in our bench,” said Thapa.

On paper,Manipur have the edge. While Delhi have two wins,two draws and one defeat,Manipur are yet to concede a match,or for that matter even a goal. “They are a very good team,but we will go all out for a win,” said Thapa.