The Hindu : Sport / Football : Federation Cup kicks off today

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Wednesday, Nov 24, 2004

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Sport - Football

Federation Cup kicks off today

By Our Sports Reporter

BANGALORE, NOV. 23. Defending champion Mahindra United will meet Fransa FC, Goa in the inaugural match of the 26th Federation Cup football tournament at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here tomorrow.

Tollygunge of Kolkata will meet Goa's Salgaocar in the second match of the day.

Durand Cup and the Kolkata League champion East Bengal, with the likely return of striker Bhaichung Bhutia and Deepak Mondal, could well be the team to beat in this prestigious event, though it is hard to make predictions in the wintry Bangalore climate.

Mahindra United's coach, Syed Nayeemuddin, looked satisfied watching his boys from the sidelines. "All the players are in fine shape and hungry to get down to action," said Nayeem.

And team manager, Henry Menezes, the former India goalkeeper, was more forthcoming. "We skipped the Durand Cup to prepare for this tournament and the NFL. Though we will miss Mahesh Gawli, who is out due to jaundice, the rest are raring to go. Sandeep Nandi in goal and S. Venkatesh in the middle are our key players."

Nortbet Gonsalves of Fransa also ruled out pressure on his players. "We are out to make an impact. And we have the services of Jules Alberto, Firoz and Kalyan Chaubey," said Nortbet, who was a pillar of strength in India's defence, not long ago.

Colaco not happy

Meanwhile, AIFF Secretary, Albert Colaco, expressed doubts on the pitch lasting till the final day. "In case of any such eventuality (ground giving way) the match commissioner — M.G. Suvarna — would make a decision and the venue could be shifted to the Football Stadium," said Colaco.

On the retention of India coach Stephen Constantine, Colaco said: "There was some disappointing results, but then some good results too have come in the last few months." He also informed that the NFL dates are yet to be finalised.

The coaches too will come under focus and the next ten days could well be a feast for the Bangalore's football fans.

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