AFC Cup: Dempo face Duhok test in Iraq

Armando Colaco will be taking over the reigns as interim coach of Team India in a few weeks time, but up to then he is still the chief coach of Dempo SC and tomorrow he has a big assignment in Iraq when his boys take on Duhok SC at their home ground in the AFC Cup pre-quarterfinals.

Unlike the quarterfinals and semifinals the pre-quarterfinals is a one-off match in which the group stage winners host the runners-up of another group. So the Iraqis have the home advantage against Dempo SC who will be missing their dependable defender Mahesh Gawli.

Armando said about the game, "I have told the boys that they need not worry about the result. The idea is to enjoy the game."

"Duhok are an unknown entity to us. I have not managed to have a look at their videos but I have heard that they are extremely tough opponents, especially when playing at home. We are going into the match with an open mind and that should be advantageous to us."

"My team has hardly had any rest but despite the hectic schedule they have always put their best foot forward. We have the I-League to take care of back home and I don't want them to be under any pressure," Armando added.

Some would say Dempo are more focused on retaining their I-League title rather then making it to the quarterfinals of the AFC Cup, but Duhok SC coach Akram Salman isn't taking Dempo lightly.

"They are a good side and can cause us real problems," said the coach of the Group C winners.

"We have prepared ourselves for all eventualities, including this possibility that the match could eventually head into extra time."

"Dempo are no weaklings. They have been playing in the AFC Cup regularly for the past four years and that experience should give them an edge. They know what it takes to progress in this competition and we should not underestimate their abilities."

Akram Salman finished off by saying, "This match is even. We both have a 50-50 chance. I don’t think there are any favourites."