Dempo are favourites

PANAJI: Dempo Sports Club will head into the Goa Pro League opener on Sunday with an assured confidence, having won the Charity Cup battle against Sporting Clube de Goa at the same venue.
Dempo lost out on top honours in the Goa Pro League last season, having endured a difficult start to the season. This time around, Dempo are in much better shape and will be hoping they can set the standard when they take on Vasco Sports Club in the opening match at the Duler Stadium in Mapusa on Sunday.
Dempo looked in good shape when they took the field against Sporting Clube de Goa, and although they needed a penalty from Haroon Amiri to break the deadlock in the season-opening Charity Cup tie, they never looked threatened throughout the game. Against Vasco on Sunday, it will be a different battle and Dempo should enjoy a comfortable ride. Coach Arthur Papas is still in Australia and expected to return next week, leaving the stage open for trusted lieutenant Mauricio Afonso to call the shots in the opening game.
Except for the five youngsters who are with the India under-23 Asian Games squad, Dempo will field a strong side which will include Australian striker Tolgay Ozbey and Afghanistan defender Haroon Amiri.
Vasco Sports Club have endured some difficult times but are back on their feet in the Goa Pro League. Goa's oldest professional football club were relegated from the top tier of Indian football for the first time since the league started but have fought their way back to the top.
The ride at the top, though, will not be easy. Vasco Sports Club started their preparations for the season rather late and may take some time to get into the groove. Without sufficient reinforcements, Vasco would have realized that things have changed at the top.