Mahindra United need to guard against complacency when they take on Churchill Brothers in the semi-finals of the Alchemist Federation Cup football tournament at Nehru stadium in Margao, Goa, on Wednesday.
Churchill, who beat Tollygunge and favourites East Bengal on the way to semi-finals, are a spirited side, always prepared to go on all-out attack.
Far from being impressive in the professional league, Churchill looked a transformed side in the tournament as their sound defence and swift attack forced East Bengal to bite the dust.
Their coach, Peter Rodrigues, said he is happy with the team's performance in the last two matches but warned his boys against getting complacent.
"The win against East Bengal is history, but the result does not count. In tomorrow's match, we play different opponents and we have to think differently and face the challenge. My boys are spirited and well-motivated and will try their best. Past results do not count; what matters is how you play on that day.
"A bad performance on the given day can upset all your hard work," said Rodrigues on Tuesday.
"Injured striker Freddy Mascarenhas, Jagdish Pappaih and Abba Muritala are doubtful starters but that does not worry us, as our team is well-geared for the match," he added.
Mahindra United, who had satisfying outings in their victories over against JCT and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on the way to the semi-finals, have their sights firmly set on winning the cup they won two years back
They have several big names in the side and an able coach in Derrick Pereira to guide them to glory.
Pereira said he has no injury worries.
"All my boys are fit. Churchill is a good side who look motivated after their morale-boosting win against East Bengal.
"They have a sound defence and a good attack that plays a pacy game, which we have to overcome; then, they also have the crowd-backing. But I have a plan to counter them and will make one or two changes from the last match we played."
About their Brazilian striker Jose Ramiriz Baretto, Pereira said he is skillful and can influence the team's spirit, although he lacks match fitness as he joined the team just days before the start of the tournament.
"We will play an attacking game as we want to finish it off within the 90 minutes," Pereira added.
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