The Hindu : Sport / Football : Dempo takes on Al Hussein today

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Wednesday, Apr 06, 2005

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Dempo takes on Al Hussein today

MARGAO, APRIL 5. The soaring heat could pose a hurdle for Al Hussein when it takes on Federation Cup champion Dempo in the first leg tie of the AFC Cup League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda here on Wednesday.

Al Hussein, leading the group with an impressive 4-0 win over Al Ahed, needs a draw to top at the end of the first leg.

Coming from the colder zones, the Jordanians, ranked third in their National League, might be troubled by the hot and humid weather. However, they have arrived here three days well in advance to get acclimatised and had five practice sessions so far.

Al Hussein team manager Fahmi Roshan Naimi said their aim was to win and was confident that his team would collect full points. ``We have watched Dempo playing against Al Ahed. They are a good side and I was impressed with their style of playing long ball passes,'' he said adding Nigerian striker Ranty Martins and 'keeper Satish Kumar could pose a threat to them.

``We have special plans to counter Ranty,'' Fahmi stated.

Al Hussein players, with the average height of six feet, would play more with long ball passes to unsettle their opponents. Coach Osama Ahmed Saleem said ``we will begin cautiously, but go all out for an attack toward the end.'' — PTI

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