Salgaocar are aiming for their second title on the trot under Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa who was also at the helm of affairs when the side beat East Bengal in last year's final in Kolkata.
Dempo, who have won the most number of I-League titles, would look to add to their Federation Cup profile having won only once in 2004.
Dempo's long serving coach Armando Colaco promised an absorbing clash at Kanchenjunga Stadium tomorrow in the first engagement between the two sides in the national calendar.
The two teams have played a draw each time in the two pre-season meeting back home in Goa.
But Salgaocar enjoys a better record in Federation Cup semi-finals having beaten Dempo in both the previous meetings in 1994 (Margao) and in 1997 (Guwahati).
"We are no rivals. The best thing about football in Goa is that we share mutual respect. Whether we win or lose we go home happy," Colaco said, dispelling the element of bitterness from the impending clash.
"There are no clear favourite as both teams have good players who can steer the match any way," Colaco added.
Dempo will have only one foreigner -- Nigerian forward Koko Sakibo -- at their disposal as the other attacker, Japanese Ryuiji Seuoka is injured.
"You think Indian football depends on foreigners?" Colaco asked. "I am not against the foreigners, but only those who are good should be given the chance," he said, reposing faith on his home players like Climax Lawrence, Samir Naik, Mahesh Gawli to shoulder the responsibility.
"My side is young and will try to play good football. There no pressure as such," Bencherifa said.
"For us, qualifying in semifinals has been a great achievement and we hope to carry the form ahead," he added.
