Manjeri/Kochi: It will be a do-or-die battle for Mohammedan SC when they meet Dempo Sports Club in a crucial Group D encounter of the 35th Federation Cup at Manjeri on Monday.
Both teams have won two matches each and a draw will shut out Mohammedan’s chances as Dempo have a better goal difference.
Dempo coach Arthur Papas will be a happier man after his team’s dominating win over United Sikkim 3-0 in their second group match.
He had made five changes to the team that struggled against Bhawanipore FC in the first match and the players successfully adapted to the changes by showcasing a fine performance. He had benched Jeje Lalpekhlua, Peter Carvalho, Selwyn Fernandes, Romeo Fernandes and Debabrata Roy bringing in Haroon Amiri, Tolgay Ozbey, Alwyn George, Prabir Das and Holicharan Narzary.
Meanwhile, Mohamm-edan will have to pep up their attack and show more energy to beat the Goan side.
The other Group D game between Bhawanipore FC and United Sikkim is inconsequential as both teams have already been eliminated.
In Kochi, Churchill Brothers’ qualification for the semi finals has made the remaining two matches in Group A a mere formality.
The Goan giants play Pune FC, while local unit Eagles FC seek their first win in a contest against United Sports Club.
