Panaji: Samir Naik was aware just how ‘tricky’ the Indian Football League (IFL) would turn out to be this season.Till the last two games, Dempo SC were struggling in the bottom half of the table, unsure about the future. Now, after victories against Shillong Lajong FC and Aizawal FC at home, the five-time national champions have been guaranteed a place in the top six championship phase, regardless of the outcome of their final match of the first phase against Rajasthan United FC at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday. Dempo have Lajong to thank as they demolished Aizawl 6-1 on Saturday. Dempo’s better head-to-head record with Aizawl means the Mizoram side will remain in seventh place with nine points while Dempo made the cut in the top six with the same points and a match in hand.“If you look at the team from where we started in the first match and where we are now, the team is set,” Samir said during the pre-match media interaction. “Over time we have known each other very well. The fitness and the understanding is better. It is now a different team.”The former international has a point. Given the league’s uncertain start, Dempo could bring their foreigners just before the start of their campaign while one joined midway.On the other hand, Rajasthan are comfortably placed fourth with 14 points.Dempo’s unity is now clearly showing on the pitch. They have looked sharper, organised and clinical at the right time of the league phase.“We will approach this game in a similar way to how we have done it earlier. Our intention was always to win and it is no different this time,” said Samir.The atmosphere in the dressing room is positive, according to Ghanaian forward Richmond Owusu.“We are motivated and we are ready for this game because we need these three points. We know Rajasthan are very well organised. We have prepared our strategy, and we are going in fully for three points,” said Richmond.The kick off is at 4pm.
