ISL: Fit, in-form Goans clash with injury-hit ATK

Kolkata, Dec 13 (IANS) Plagued by injuries and a below-par showing in recent games, Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) face a tough Indian Super League semifinal first-leg challenge here Sunday against an upbeat FC Goa who made a stunning comeback after languishing at the bottom midway into the round robin stage.

Managing to sneak into the last four, courtesy a second half penalty conversion by striker Fikru Teffera in their last league match against the Goans, Atletico de Kolkata coach Antonio Lopez Habas is now grappling with fitness issues with four key players being doubtful starters for the first leg of the double header.

Fikru, who played as the sole striker in the round robin engagements, is nursing a niggle, while reliable defender Arnab Mandal, utility player Baljit Sahni and Spaniard Jofre Mateu are also carrying injuries ahead of the big match at the Salt Lake stadium.

If Fikru is unable to take to the field, the team management may draft in Spaniard Arnal Llibert as their man upfront.

The city franchise, hoping to exploit the home advantage, has been inconsistent in the tourney so far. 

They began with a bang, winning three of the first four games, only to log full points in only one of the next ten outings. They maintained the pole position till the midway point, but then slipped to finally take the third position with 19 points.

In contrast, the Goans took the second slot with 22 points, and are as fit as fiddle, though they miss out on Portuguese medio Bruno Pinheiro following his red card offence on ATK striker Fikru Teferra in their last group league encounter.

Goa’s coach, football legend Zico, would strive to crack open the ATK defence by dishing out a swift and crisp passing game with Czech striker Miroslav Slepicka playing a pivotal role after being rested in the previous game. 

Also back from a break will be former Arsenal defender Andre Santos. Apart from his rearguard duties, the Brazilian has also made a name for himself in scoring goals, finding the net on four occasions, and his return is bound to boost the morale of the team in an away encounter.

In fact, the talented Goans are so spoilt for choice, that it would be interesting to see whether they field the talismanic Frenchman Robert Pires.

In contrast, the ATK defence led by the former Liverpool man Josemi has to be on their toes to check Slepicka who has scored five goals in the tournament.

For the hosts, skipper and marquee player Luis Garcia is likely to start in the all-important match, and Czech Jakub Podany may feature, if Jofre is not fit to play. Midfielder Sanju Pradhan might get a look in too.

On the positive side, ATK may get the services of Cavin Lobo, who had to cool his heels on the sidelines since the two side’s first encounter on Goan soil.

In the two duels between the rivals, ATK won 2-1 in the Goa leg. The return tie at the Salt Lake stadium finished 1-1.

The second leg of the semi-fianl will be played in Goa Dec 17. The winner of the double bill play the final Dec 20 at Mumbai opposite the victor of the other semi-final clash involving Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters.