Margao/ Kolkata: Mohun Bagan, who had won their last match in Goa against Churchill Brothers, say that they are confident of repeating their performance and collect full points against Sporting Clube de Goa in a crucial I-League football clash to be played at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Thursday.
Bagan played a fascinating match against Churchill Brothers and won 3-2 and the team is now looking to capitalise on the positives.
“We have to be careful. We cannot afford to take Sporting Clube for granted since they are playing at home and are known to be a competitive team. We cannot lose points for sure but it’s a match where we can pocket a win as well,” said Bagan Technical Director Subrata Bhattacharya.
Mohun Bagan relied overwhelmingly on mercurial striker Odafe Okolie’s hat-trick to clobber Churchill Brothers and the visitors will hope for a similar performance from the Nigerian striker. Brazilian striker Jose Ramirez Barreto also played an influential role in the team’s last win.
Sporting Clube stay aware of Mohun Bagan’s threat but are quietly confident that they can manage an upset of sorts. Sporting have four points from the last two matches -- after a torrid run in seven games -- and are now gaining in confidence.
“It’s our home match so obviously we have an advantage. We know what we intend to do against Bagan,” said Sporting Clube Technical Director Alex Alvares. Alvares is expected to field the same squad that won against Pailan Arrows, and although the scoreline suggests Sporting Clube only managed a 3-2 victory, Alvares was quick to point out that they were the dominant side throughout.
“We missed innumerable chances. The second half was totally dominated by us and Pailan were lucky not to lose by a bigger margin,” said Alvares.
Sporting Clube have 17 points in their kitty from 14 matches while Bagan stay on 27 points from 14 matches. The kick-off is slated for 3.30pm.
Prayag cautious ahead of ‘prestige battle’
Prayag United SC take on Chirag Kerala in a grudge match at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Thursday (January 19). Prayag who have been the surprise package so far stay on 22 points from 14 matches while Chirag United Kerala sit precariously close to relegation -- with 11 points from 14 matches.
In a way it’s a home coming of the Chirag who stayed the sponsors of their rival team for a number of years before deciding to shift to Kerala.
Sanjoy Sen, Prayag United’s Coach said: “It might not be a derby match but it is a matter of prestige for the club.” So much so, that even Prayag United officials visited the team’s practice session in an effort to boost the morale ahead of the big clash.
For Prayag United, Lalkamal Bhowmick is out due to an injury. He will be missing about four weeks of action due to a shoulder dislocation. Jayanta Sen replaces him.
Sen, however, put up a brace face. “We have a ready replacement for him and have played many crucial matches without Lalkamal. We have a backup plan ready,” he commented. “It’s not right to underestimate any opposition. We beat Dempo in the first phase but had to settle for draws against lower-ranked teams.”
Chirag United Kerala had a short afternoon practice session. Coach Fakir Ali seemed confident ahead of the clash and hoped to take full points from this match. Chirag have come to Kolkata with a full strength team and will hope for a win that can give them a boost in avoiding relegation.
The kick-off is at 2pm.
