Players peaking at right time: Colaco

MARGAO: `Our players are peaking at the right time. Now we are all set for the semi-finals after our win over Punjab,' said Goa coach Armando Colaco over phone from Mumbai.

The battle lines have clearly been drawn for the second semi- finals of the Santosh Trophy. Last year's semi-finalists Goa take on Railways at the Cooperage tomorrow (15 November).

Even as he appeared optimistic of Goa's march into finals, Colaco's intermediate line has received a dent as experienced medio Mario Soares and hardworking Jatin Bhist have jerked ankles. Both are uncertain to take the field tomorrow. They were taken to Mumbai's eminent orthopaedic surgeon Dr Anant Joshi for examination by Goa manager Sanjeev Nagvenkar yesterday morning. They have been advised 10-days rest.

Goa have done extremely well starting with Levy Coelho and Abhay Kumar. Goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey has been consistent under the bar and is yet to concede a goal in the two matches played so far.

Armando said, `if my boys play to their potential, Goa are favoured to win. Though I'am sure we'll not allow them to play to a pattern, I only hope that my boys do well'.

Colaco nevertheless gives a 50-50 chance to both teams. `The one who plays better on this day will win', Armando told Gomantak Times from Mumbai.

The Goa team is not short of talent too as captain Mahesh Gawali, who was member of Indian team for England tour has been a soothing force in the rearguard. Levy Coelho, Jose Colaco, Selwyn Fernandes, Clifford Miranda, Sebastiao Endro are all nonentity
and compensate their lack experience with their temperament and gust.

This is exactly what Dempo coach Colaco used to say in the local Professional Football League. Not surprisingly it's the same Colaco who is the state coach and has been trying to instill the job and fighting qualities of Dempo into a motley group of players from Goa.