We can't be complacent: Dempo coach

Margao (Goa), March 23 (IANS) Coach Armando Colaco is taking nothing for granted when leaders Dempo SC play bottom-placed HAL as the I-League resumes at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Saturday.

Dempo lead the league with 43 points while HAL are fighting relegation with seven points at the end of the 20th round. Dempo coach Colaco, however, believes that HAL will be difficult to handle than most of their supporters would like to believe.

'Our complacency and their determination is a deadly combination. If we do not stay on our guard, they will have the last laugh,' warned Colaco.

Colaco, back with the team after spending more than a month at home following a cardiac arrest, is aware what HAL can do. Last year, quite unexpectedly, HAL stunned Dempo at home in the final game and thus saved themselves from being relegated. Also, the shocking result meant Dempo missed out on the second spot.

'I have repeatedly warned the players that this is a match in which we need to be careful. We are resuming I-League action after a long time and there is bound to be some difference. I want my boys to stay focused,' said the former India coach.

Colaco will miss international midfielder Clifford Miranda who has not yet recovered from his injury. Clifford's spot is most likely to be taken up by Peter Carvalho.

With just six more matches to be played, HAL are staring at relegation. They have a poor seven points and must win at least four of their next six matches and hope the likes of Chirag United Kerala and Mumbai FC do not add to their points tally.