Pune, Feb 11 (IANS) Air India would probably be playing their last home match of this season at the Balewadi Sports Complex, when they take on Chirag United Kerala in the I-League here Sunday.
This 20th round clash provides Santosh Kashyap's side yet another chance to prove that they have the will to be among the top teams as the Mumbai outfit would be breaking the 30-point mark if they beat Kerala.
In their last match against Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bangalore, Air India played superb, fast paced game for full 90 minutes something that is seldom seen in domestic matches.
Now that Air India are fully secure, there is no reason why the Mumbai team will not go all out and earn full points from the game against Chirag.
Takayuki Omi and Sandeep Sangha were at their brilliant best, creating several chances for their forwards Manandeep Singh, Allan Dias and Henry Ezeh. Kashyap was content with benching striker Sandesh Gadkari for most part of the match before sending him as a substitute late in the second half.
In defence, Lamine Tamba was the most active. Tamba and Collin Abranches have been Air India's key defenders on whom custodian Pawan Kumar relies on. The keeper himself was very active under the bar and saved several shots at the goal.
When Chirag came here last, they beat Mumbai in a shock result, and Air India would be wary of that.
Chirag in a sense are a balanced side, but luck has not been with them on most occasions, so when they take the field Sunday afternoon, Mohammed Nizam Packeer Ali's side will at least like to put up a good show and see if they can repeat their performance at the Balewadi yet again.
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