Sporting Clube wary of Nigerian striker Chidi

Margao, Feb 11 (IANS) Sporting Clube de Goa technical director, Alex Alvares has picked up Salgaocar striker Edeh Chidi as the key factor when the two teams clash in the 20th round I-League football at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda here Sunday.

Sporting Clube put it across Salgaocar in an exciting first leg clash and Alvares believes Sunday's battle also will go down to the wire.

"It will be tough. We will have to be at our best to get full points out of this game," said Alvares.

Alvares said Chidi could be the essential difference between the two sides, as the Nigerian striker's movements up front can cause plenty of problems to any side that leaves him unmarked.

"We need to come up with a strategy to contain Chidi. He is their key player, in a sense he holds the ball, allows the midfield to join the attack and also makes the crucial pass for his team mates who can then do the damage. We have studied his game and are confident that we can contain him," said Alvares.

"We have done very well in recent games and hope to continue doing the same against Salgaocar. Luckily, we do not have too many problems and we will field almost the same squad that defeated Chirag United Kerala 3-0," disclosed Alvares, adding that midfielder Adil Khan is doubtful after sustaining an injury in training.

Just like Sporting, Salgaocar, too, have had a revival in recent games and look good to match the best in the business. The defending champions are placed fourth on the table and look good enough to move up.

"There are no targets as such. All that we plan to do is take it match by match, round by round. We intend to finish third or second by the time the 20th round ends. Once we achieve small targets, the bigger target will be achieved automatically," said Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa.