Churchill Brothers, who failed to defend their title, would aim to finish as runners-up when they lock horns with East Bengal in their penultimate I-League tie at the Nehru Stadium in Margao on Sunday.
Churchill, who were eliminated from the AFC Cup mid-week, lost their I-League crown to Dempo. Their last match drubbing at the hands of Pune FC made them drop to the third place with 39 points from 24 matches. They now need to win both their ties in order to finish second.
The return of star striker Odafe Okolie is likely to bolster the attack along with in-form Felix. “It’s disappointing to lose in such a manner against Pune FC. The boys lacked the commitment which saw us going down so easily. Now they have realised the importance of playing the last two matches to help us finish second,” coach Churchill Carlos Pereira said.
East Bengal, who looked good in the hands of Philip de Ridder after winning the Federation Cup, have so far failed to showcase their class in the I-League and are presently lying ninth with 29 points from 24 matches. They too have two matches remaining and will be looking to finish at a respectable position in the league.
Defenders Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Uga Okpara have done a commendable job in the defence to maintain a decent score line.
Dempo players not interested in Super Cup: Coach
Meanwhile, Dempo SC coach Armando Colaco said his players were least interested in playing the season-ending Super Cup due to lack of motivation.
Super Cup is a one-off contest between the I-League champion and Federation Cup winners.