A-I keen to keep run
intact
February 14, 1998 Indian Express KOCHI: It'll be a battle between pride and superiority tomorrow in the
2nd Philips National Football League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.
While the hosts FC Kochin will look to salvage the lost pride after they
lost to NFL leaders Mohun Bagan on Thursday by a solitary goal, Air-India
would try its best to extend their unbeaten run -- in 11 matches -- intact.
Air-India, Mumbai, are now second with 21 points and FC Kochin are third
with 17 points from 11 matches. They will be fighting for more than one
reason on Sunday under the lights. Both the teams had split points in the
Mumbai match with a goalless draw. However, Bimal Ghosh's boys which finished
sixth in the inaugural edition of the NFL, are a confident lot and are
eager to improve their performance and if possible with a win. ``If we
do not win next three matches we cannot finish in the first three places,''
observed Ghosh, the unassuming coach of the Mumbai club. AI will be missing
the dependable defender Jeevan Moraes. Theupcoming youngster limped off
in the midst of their match against JCT on Wednesday. Godfrey Pereira has
to rush back today morning as news came from his home saying that his son
is indisposed. Godfrey's presence on the field is doubtful though team
management is sure he will return on Sunday morning.
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