Mahindra to meet Maldivian in AFC Cup home tie in Goa on March 20

Panaji, Mar 17 (UNI) National Football league champions Mahindra United, Mumbai will kick off their home tie of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup 2007 against New Radiant Maldivian on March 20 at Nehru stadium, Fatorda at Margao in South Goa.

Buoyed by their 2-0 win against Singapore Armed Forces FC in their match recently, Mahindra is looking forward to improving their position in Goa.

Speaking to mediapersons here today Mahindra United team manager Henry Menezes said his team was ranked the 12th best football club in Asia. ''Goa is always our home ground,'' he said.

He said his team had a bright chance to go int0 quarter-finals and they would go all out for a win in Goa against New Radiant as the team was in an upbeat mood after winning against Singapore armed forces.

Mr Menezes praised team coach Derrick Pereira for the growth of the team and said all credit goes to him for Mahindra team's performance - both in the ongoing NFL and win against Singapore in the AFC.

Mahindra United and New Radiant Maldivian will arrive in Goa tomorrow.

Tickets for the match have been priced at Rs 20 to attract more crowd. The ticket-holders have chance to win themselves exciting prizes like TV, DVD and Mahindra T-shirts. Entry is free for school children, Mr Menezes added.

Mahindra's other two matches in Goa are against Happy Valley (Hongkong) on April 10 and Singapore Armed Forces on May 8.

UNI