Mohun Bagan face vital challenge vs Mumbai FC to keep pace

Armed with three straight wins, Mohun Bagan have now a big challenge in the sixth round of the ONGC I-League to keep the winning pace when they face struggling Mumbai FC, who nearly hit rock bottom, at YBK here tomorrow.

The Mumbai outfit was a dangerous side for city giants in the second edition last year, but things have changed for them since then.

Now young Khalid Jamil, coaching the side, finds the I-L a very difficult proposition after first two defeats and three successive draws. With overall three points and third from bottom in the 14-team countrywide soccer championship, a win is the crying need of the hour for the Mumbai side to turn back and may be win the game against last year's runners up.

Mohun Bagan, overcoming after initial setback, went on to win straight ten games, a sort of record in the national league, before falling to ultimate winners Churchill Brothers last year under coaching of Morrocan national Karim Bencherifa.

Karim Bencherifa would not predict the outcome but quickly reacted, ''Who wants not to win.'' With absence of defender Rakesh Mahsi, who has an automatic suspension after two yellow cards in the last play against Lajong FC, Bencherifa probably look at Sangram Mandi for replacement. The other defenders - Deepak Mondal, Sur Kumar singh and the like are fit to don colours tomorrow. After first two defeats to Chirag United and JCT, Bagan began on winning note from Viva Kerala, a newly promoted side, were now fourth place with nine points after Dempo, Chirag and Mahindra United.

With Edeh Chidi in front and Marcos Pereira from midfield, Karim Bencherifa probably can go ahead with remaining plays until Jose Ramirez Barreto completely heals his injury-prone calf muscle and knee.

With hattrick against East Bengal, Edeh Chidi scored four goals of 3-5 derby match win on last Sunday as the Ghanaite was now leading five goals in the I-L. The huge result has also far reaching implication in camps and outside.

Karim Bencherifa's tactical win also forced the rival counterpart Subash Bhowmick to quit coaching before being sacked by red and golds officials and announcement of new trainer Philips d Rider, a Belgian who had earlier coached East Bengal five years ago.

Karim also became a Samaritan, shelling off Rs 10,000 for treatment of East Bengal supporter Sambu Hazra, who suffered a cardiac arrest after humiliating defeat. Karim yesterday visited a nursing home and assured more help to the family members if needed.

-- (UNI) -- 01SPC2.xml

Viewer's Comment

Comments Not Available

More Stories