CUTTACK: Former I-League champions Churchill Bros will meet East Bengal in the first semi-final of the 32nd Federation Cup football championships, on Wednesday (Sept29).
Churchill will rely on the exploits of their prolific striker Odafe Okolie of Nigeria, who has the knack of turning it on in big games. And, his penchant for scoring goals in crucial ties is no hidden secret.
East Bengal’s defence has not been tested till date. Most teams have been washed away by the deluge of attacking moves.
Odafa will fancy his chances against this defensive line. He is also a big match player and often delivers in crucial encounters and history back this talented Nigerian.
Odafa’s heroics in final of IFA Shield and Durand Cup in 2009 (both against Mohun Bagan) earned the Goan club two trophies last season and the Goans will be keen to put it across East Bengal on the morrow.
Churchill has been considerably weakened after losing players to the national team camp. Arindam Bhattacharya, Steven Dias, Gourmangi Singh as well as Mohammad Rafi are missing. In their absence, the onus is on MP Shakeer and Khemtang Paite to provide able support to Odafa.
East Bengal’s new coach, former development coach of English Premier League side Hull City, Trevor Morgan will look to change that track record. His team has promised a lot till date.
The Kolkata giants, who have gone through a couple of indifferent seasons, look like a rejuvenated force and the first semi-finals could well turn out to be an edge of the seat contest. Australian player, Tolgay Ozbey has been the driving force behind East Bengal’s attack and against Air India in the first game he has scored two goals.
In the second semi-final, national champions Dempo Sports Club face another Kolkata bigwig in Mohun Bagan on Thursday (Sept30). The semis will kick off at 6pm at Cuttack’s Barabati stadium.
Meanwhile, according to a press release on AIFF website, the first semi-final between East Bengal and Churchill Brothers will be telecast Live on 24 Ghanta on Wednesday from 6 pm. Similarly, the second semi-final between Dempo SC and Mohun Bagan and the finals to be played on Saturday, 2nd October will also be telecast Live by 24 Ghanta, a Bangla channel of Zee Group.
