Sabia targets ‘Eli’gant show against Bengaluru

Chennai

And, the Brazilian is no stranger to pressure cooker ISL games. Ahead of the ‘home’ challenge against familiar foe Bengaluru FC (BFC) at the GMC Stadium in Goa on Friday, Sabia made it clear that Csaba Laszlo-coached Chennaiyin would target a positive result.

“A derby is a game that every player wants to be a part of. We know the quality of our next opponent, but we are working hard to win the match,” Sabia, in his fourth season with CFC, told DT Next in an e-mail interaction. Asked if players gear up differently while locking horns with direct competitors, the 32-year-old said: “Regardless of whether it is a derby or not, every game has its importance and difficulty. All of us at Chennaiyin are preparing for the battles that lie ahead.”

Two-time victor CFC has made a steady start to ISL 2020-21, securing four points from a couple of matches – against Jamshedpur FC (JFC) and Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC). Talking about the club’s campaign thus far, the centre-back added: “We have got some points, which is the most important thing. But at the same time, we know that we need to improve to achieve our goals. We are fighting to have another great season in ISL.”

Sabia also had good things to say about his new backline partner Enes Sipovic – the towering defender from Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Enes is a great player on and off the field. We are working hard so that we can do well together,” said Sabia, who made his 50th ISL appearance against Kerala last week. “I am very happy to reach that mark. It is an honour to represent the club which I love.”

ATKMB beats OFC

Roy Krishna scored for a third game in a row as ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) defeated Odisha FC (OFC) 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Thursday. Fijian striker Krishna stole all three points for ATKMB by finding the back of the net in stoppage time.