BMFC coach eyes final spot despite injury, suspension worries

The semi-finals are an intriguing Goa versus Mumbai line-ups with Salgaocar taking on Mumbai’s Central Railway on Thursday.

Injuries to key striker Abhay Kumar, another to Nigerian striker Emeka Achelifu in the quarter-final match against JCT and an ankle injury to another Nigerian Oneyaka Okafor, undermines BMFC’s side’s prospects a bit. While Abhay is ruled out, the Africans are doubtful starters. Defender Mohammed Nazir compounds problems by sitting out two yellow cards.

But Nassiri plans to continue playing possession football and pacing his gameaccording to the opponents — even if it risks disappointing the gallery. It’s results that are important, he says.

Nassiri, a pioneering foreign star in the country and a colossus in Calcutta where he played for the big three — Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting — respects Churchill Brothers whom he considers good in attack and defence.

Churchill, coached once again by Scotsman Danny McLennan, have yet to concede a goal in the tournament. Striker Cyril Barreto is in fine fettle with two goals under his belt and with little striker Somatai Saiza executing some telling crosses from the left, last year’s runners-up appear not to be short of goal ideas.

Salgaocar coach Shabbir Ali, far from taking Central Railway for granted, appreciates the Mumbai side as “good in all departments”.

The Goa league champions, missing India defender Robert Fernandes, have betrayed a suspect defence but an ebullient mid-field and attack have enhanced the side’s status as favourites.

International BrunoCoutinho is in smashing form despite the effects of an old injury. Africans, Kenyan William Inganga is ever menacing in the mid-field and Jude Odegah carries the form of the last National League with a menacing look in the strike force.

Vaz will be handicapped by the suspension of defender Amir Lotlikar but is confident his side will control, even dominate the game. “The first 15 minutes are crucial,” Vaz said. “We need to hold the ball and things won’t be too difficult.”

Central have humbled FC Kochin 2-1 in the quarter-final league and held Iranian Club goalless — demonstrating the capacity to play games according to the opposition.

The Railway side will count on a display of understanding and cohesion in which strikers Asif Jamal and Arshad Ansari, schemer Arif Ansari along with mid-fielder namesake Hameed stand out.

Left-wingback Sadanand Kakodkar has been cast in a versatile role. Central, of course, will count heavily on the last line of defence where goalkeeper Raghuveer Khanolkar has beenoutstanding.