I-League poised for keen finish

With the relegation battle over, the inaugural ONGC I-League is poised for a thrilling finale as Goa teams Dempo Sports Club and Churchill Brothers play the final round of championship at two different venues on Saturday, February 23, hoping to emerge India's new football powerhouse.

While defending National Football League champions Dempo hold a thin edge by way of better goal difference after being tied with Churchill at the top on 33 points, the latter also have every reason to feel confident about emerging the new National champions.

Dempo play Viva Kerala, already relegated to the second division with Salgaocar, at the Corporation stadium in Kozikhode, Kerala, while Churchill take on Air India at Margao, Goa, in the 18th and final round, in what promises an exciting finish to the league, which has come to replace the NFL.

Going into the title race in a must-win situation, both Dempo and Churchill are looking for resounding victories, the former also hoping to maintain their goal difference and the latter narrowing it down.

Churchill will be crowned champions only if they win and Dempo lose or end up with a draw.

On the other hand, Dempo can emerge winners of the maiden I-League with a win or even a draw. If both end up with draws, then the overall goal difference will decide the title winner. Dempo have a plus-19 goal difference compared to Churchill's plus-15.

Such is Dempo's team composition that they are capable of crushing Viva by a wide margin.

Brazilian striker Roberto 'Beto' Mendi Silva, who has recently taken up the role of playmaker, midfielder Climax Lawrence, defender Mahesh Gawli, custodian Abhijit Mondal and captain Ranty Martins Soleye have all shown tremendous form throughout the tournament.

Besides, Chidi Edeh, Anthony Pereira and Nicolau Borges should also ensure a high-quality performance for the visitors, who are expected to play before a packed-stadium.

Dempo, who had problems in the Federation Cup and Durand Cup early in the season, began their I-League campaign on a sound note, experience and team spirit being their biggest strength.

Breathing down Dempo's neck for most part of the league, Churchill still enjoy a better overall-win record (10) compared to Dempo (9).Though Churchill have also scored the maximum number of goals (37) against Dempo's 31 in the league they conceded too many (22) compared to Dempo's (12).

Led by Odafe Onyeka Okolie and well-supported by African-mate Mboyo Iyomi right from the start -- together they have scored most of the goals -- Churchill are aiming to thrash eighth-placed Air India by a big margin to edge past Dempo on goal difference.

But that seems an uphill task in case both teams win, as Churchill's victory margin will have to be at least five goals more than Dempo's final tally.

However, with leftback Robert Lalthalma, Khemtang Paite, Reisangmei Vashum and Naoba Singh, besides the reliable 'keeper Vinay, hitherto combining well, Churchill are capable of pulling it off and proving a point at the all-important finish.