Panaji: Dempo SC will look to maintain their positive start in the final phase of the Indian Football League (IFL) as they take on Chanmari FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Saturday. For a club that is one of the most successful in Indian football with five national league titles, Dempo struggled at the start of their campaign but did just enough to make it to the championship round. Two games into the final phase, head coach Samir Naik is encouraged by a draw and a first away victory this season.Coach Samir will not want to make too many changes from the team that defeated Rajasthan United FC in the previous game.“Lately, after winning our first game, we continued with a similar starting 11 and continued that in our last two games. There is nothing like a perfect 11 because I believe in all my players,” Samir told TOI during Friday’s media interaction.League leaders Diamond Harbour FC rallied for a 5-2 win against Rajasthan on Friday and lead with 28 points after 12 games. Dempo are fifth with 13 points from 11 games. Rajasthan have stretched the gap between them and Dempo to four points and are placed fourth after playing 12 games.Meanwhile, Chanmari will look to return to form after back-to-back defeats. They first lost to Diamond Harbour (0-2) and then suffered a 0-4 defeat against Shillong Lajong FC. They are below Dempo with 11 points from as many games.“It is always a little difficult to play here but we have prepared well. There are no weak or strong teams in this league. We have done some work on it and will be ready for the challenge,” said Samir.Dempo have most of their players available apart from striker Richmond Owusu who is injured.The kick off is at 6.30pm.
