Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Can HAL overturn the second-half script?

The script has been always perfect for the Aircraftmen till the first half - they put up a brilliant show, and dominate proceedings. Come second half, they concede an early goal, and everything goes haywire. From the close quarters, it is nothing but a known chronic illness! 

The start was ideal for the Flaming Oranje after getting promoted to the top tier of I-League – unbeaten till Round 6. Then came the sudden slump – one point from the next 6 outings. The 12th round, a 5-goal humiliation in the hands of Dempo SC! 

Sporting Clube de Goa (SCG) would definitely like to turn the table on, and why not as they have an ideal opponent in HAL, who could only manage a draw in 12 rounds played so far. 

Rohit Chand, the star performer of last season, makes a comeback for HAL. He will be filling the Asian player quota that was left vacant till now. Rohit’s return would definitely bolster HAL defense, which has been conceded a walloping 33-goals so far. Another defender, Nigerian Femi Joseph Adeola looks to be doubtful starter for tomorrow’s campaign. He has been injured and kept out for last few matches.

HAL manager Muralidharan seems to be aware of his opponents descend. In his cautious approach, he too is looking for a win, “We’ve to get it straight this time, we will be playing in 4-4-2 combination.”

SCG coach, Soibam Ekendra Singh feels his team has been weakened with the absence of key players Rojen Singh and Bisheshwor Singh. Also, several of his available players are not fully fit or on recovery mode. Bangalore connection and TFA product Niroshan Mani will be in contention against HAL.

Singh quips, “We’ll start with 4-4-2 combination and then might change the game plan according to the situation. It would be a difficult task for us alright!” 

Match is slated for tomorrow, January 4, 2012, 3 pm.

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