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Churchill coach Mariano Dias: Determined to get a win tomorrow

AFC Cup: Churchill Brothers SC v Persipura Jayapura - Pre-Match Press Conference

AFC Cup: Churchill Brothers SC v Persipura Jayapura - Pre-Match Press Conference

An interesting battle is on the cards, when Churchill Brothers SC meet Persipura Jayapura in an AFC Cup Group E match at the Fatorda Stadium on Wednesday.

The coaches of both teams have made their intentions clear, that they would be satisfied with nothing less than a victory. It might be mentioned here that Churchill Brothers had lost 0-2 to Persipura Jayapura in their away fixture.

Churchill Brothers head coach Mariano Dias said, “Tomorrow’s match is very important for us to qualify for the next round. We will be determined to get a win tomorrow and move to the next round”. He also pointed out that at least four of his regular first eleven players namely Ravanan, Saran Singh, Lenny Rodrigues and Satish Singh will be out of action due to suspension and injury but the team is up for the challenge.

Goalkeeper Lalit Thapa said, “We have to play all the tournaments with same passion and dedication. As players each and every game is important for us and we always have to give out best”. A journalist had asked him if the I-League or the AFC Cup is the main priority at the moment. Thapa has been consistent under the bar for Churchill Brothers in all competitions this season and has featured in the majority of matches for the Red Machines.

Persipura Jayapura have arrived in Goa with a lot of confidence as they sit pretty on the top of the table. They are also taking confidence from the fact that they have already won their home fixture against the Red Machines.

Persipura’s Head coach Thiago Jacksen said, “Tomorrow’s game is very important for us and if we win, we can be rest assured we are going into the next round so we will try out best to get a positive result.” He further added that he has two suspended players in Korean midfielder Im Jun Sik and Liberian player Eddie Foday, but he has the squad to fill their void.

The match kicks off at 17.30 IST (14.00 CET / 13.00 GMT) and tickets will be available at the stadium.