Air India hoping to upset depleted Churchill

The absence of their ace striker Odafa Okolie notwithstanding, reigning I-League champions Churchill Brothers start favourites against Air India in the first semi-final of the 114th IFA Shield to be played at Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Salt Lake in Kolkata on Tuesday.

The Goan-outfit under new coach, Carlos Pereira, started on a week footing, only managing to carve out a 1-1 draw against Mohammedan Sporting in their campaign opener.

Churchill came back strongly in their second match and backed by Odafa's fine form, they beat Shillong Lajong FC by a convincing two-goal margin.

However, a double booking in the match against Lajong FC means Odafa will miss the semi-final on Tuesday.

With the match to be played on the newly-laid YBK astro turf, Air India expressed displeasure at the groubd conditions after their practice on Monday morning.

"The match will be played in the afternoon sun and the heat generated from the artificial turf is a cause worry," Air India coach Bimal Ghosh said.

Asked whether Odafa's absence would be an advantage for them, the coach said, "They have a strong side and we cannot just think about one striker. We have to think of the entire side if we are to emerge winners... Afterall, it's a semi-final and there will be pressure on everybody."

The Mumbai boys do not have any injury worries and would once again bank on their new Nigerian recruit N D Opara to take them through.

But the thought of having scored just two goals from as many matches in the group stage, will be playing on the minds of Ghosh and his boys and will want to make amends.