A-I face resurgent IB

The Bankmen, who are playing their third away match had bounced back with a shocking 2-0 victory over defending champions Jagatjit Cotton Textile (JCT) Mills, Phagwara in Chennai, two days ago. It put behind the defeats they suffered in their away games against Bagan and new entrants FC Kochi.

It is against this backdrop that they would be taking on the might of Air-India. The hosts, however, are saddled with injuries to five regulars — mid-fielders Godfrey Periera (groin), Jacinto D’Silva (ankle), Taposh Ghosh (muscle strain) and defender Henry Picardo (shin). Air-India coach Bimal Ghosh, however, downplayed the issue saying that the situation wassimilar in the encounter against Dempo Sports Club which had ended in a 1-1 draw.

Despite injuries to some of the key players, the airmen possess an able strike-force in the form of P J Jose and Anthony Fernandes backed by Khenthang Paite’s mid-field abilities. The defence too has proved its worth having conceded just one goal in four matches. However, this time round they would up against an outfit that is fitter and highly charged-up.

Albert Fernando, the Indian Bank coach of Sri Lankan origin, was quick to point out this advantage on the eve of the encounter. “We will be going all out for a win as the three points from this encounter is vital,” he remarked. Defender Kamlas Merlin will be sitting out, he added.

Syed Sabir Pasha, the hero of the JCT victory, alongwith Maldivian Ismail Mahfus and the pony-tailed Akham Mahesh Singh form the Indian Bank attack with the nippy Hamilton Bobby and Amal Raj playing the support cast as mid-fielder. Former Indian captain V P Sathyan and Mahindran had proved their abilities in the defence in the encounter against JCT.

Though both teams appear equally poised, Air-India can bank upon the past record of a win and a draw in last’s year league to nose ahead.