Panaji: Dempo Sports Club are looking to get stronger with every match as their foreign players are still settling in. The five-time national champions opened their Indian Football League (IFL) campaign with an exciting 2-2 draw against Real Kashmir FC at home.On Sunday, as Samir Naik’s side play their first away game, they will look to get three points against debutants Diamond Harbour FC in Kolkata.“The team is coming together well. We didn’t get a lot of time to prepare as a complete group because some players arrived late, but the understanding is improving and the players are working hard,” Samir said during the pre-match media interaction.New signings Aubin Kouakou, Sebastian Gutierrez and Richmond Kwasi Owusu started for Dempo in the last game along with Marcus Joseph, the club’s top scorer last season.The Trinidad and Tobago striker converted a penalty to open his account while Aubin headed home to give Dempo the lead, before Real Kashmir salvaged a point.“In football there are no easy games. They (Diamond Harbour) are a team that has been together for some time, and their coach (Kibu Vicuna) knows Indian football very well. We expect a competitive match,” said Samir.Diamond Harbour will look to bounce back after a narrow loss against Sreenidi Deccan in the opening game. The unstoppable Second Division I-League champions are among the stronger sides in the competition and Dempo will have to keep an eye on the attacking trio of Jobby Justin, Bryce Miranda and Slovenian Luka Majcen, all proven names in the top tier of Indian football.Forward Marcus believes Dempo is motivated to build on its first performance as the season begins to take shape.“Even though the season started late and many players had to adjust quickly, the group is focused and ready for the next match. We are well-prepared and the boys are ready to give their best,” said Marcus.
