Dempo’s one-point agenda

“We have watched videos of their matches, they are a good side. And since they are playing in their own backyard, it will be a tough match for us,” Colaco told The Indian Express.

“We had a light session today so that our players can be fresh for the game tomorrow. We will try hard to get three points, but we will be content with a draw so that we can capitalise on the home advantage when we play them on October 21 (in Goa).”

For all practical purposes, Dempo have a fair shot at going one step further, as playing the home leg second has always been an advantage in home-and-away formats.

In-form players

Their line-up is in form as well, with striker Roberto Mendes Silva — combining well up front with Ranty Martins. India defender Mahesh Gawli leads a well-knit back-four that includes the impressive Samir Naik, while left-winger Nicolau Borges is one of the most exciting players in the I-League.

If there is one cause for concern, it is the last line of defence, with first-choice goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal struggling to recover from a thigh injury. Colaco has picked two extra custodians as back-up in the squad, with Tyson Caiado ready to step in under the bar should Mondal fail to make the cut.

“Even in Hyderabad (in the AFC Cup quarter-final), I had three goalies in my team. I always have prefer taking extra players as you never know when a player sustains an injury. Especially when the team is touring abroad, one should be extra cautious. But as of now, the players are fit and all are raring to go,” he said.

Another problem the players are facing, one that doesn’t have any immediate solutions in fact, is the food in Lebanon. “The climate here is similar to what we have in Goa so getting acclimatised wasn’t a problem for the players, but most of the players are not liking the food,” he said.

So what are the odds of an Indian side in the final? Colaco terms the task difficult, but not impossible. “We were aiming for a quarter-final berth, but a collective effort from the players has put us in the semis. After our victory in the quarters, people have started recognising us on the Asian circuit as well and if our players put their best foot forward again, there’s really no reason we shouldn’t be able to make it to the finals and create some more history,” Colaco said.