Mohan Bagan to have an edge in Monday’s I-league match

Kolkata: A keen competition is on the cards on Monday as runners-up Mohan Bagan begin their campaign in the I-League Football Championship taking on city mates Chirag United at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan here. If their performance in the last two major tournaments, IFA Shield and the Durand Cup, is of any indication, then Bagan definitely will have an edge on Monday. They have a number of seasoned and skilled players in their fold. Brazilian Barretto and Nigerian Chide have formed a fine combination upfront. In the mid-field, Bagan will largely depend on Marcos Periera, Anand Bhasin and Snehasis Chakraborty. While veteran Deepak Mondal, Sur Kumar Singh, Rakesh Mashi, along with custodian Sangram Mukherjee will take charge of the defence and deep-defence respectively.Expressing cautious optimism about the match tomorrow, Bagan’s Moroccan coach Karim Bencharifa said, “We have reached the finals of IFA Shield and Durand Cup recently, which should provide enough confidence for the match.” “But the first match is always a tough one. Chirag is a good side with a good combination. Moreover, Subroto is an experienced coach. I am expecting a very good match which can go either side tomorrow.” Chirag, which is playing in the national league from the last season, have added Edmilson from East Bengal and Lalam Puia from Mohun Bagan at the upfront, besides having Brazilian Josimer. They also have a solid mid-field in Lal Kamal Bhowmick and Jayanta Sen. They have former top Indian goalkeeper Sandeep Nandy, who would be taking charge under the bar. Commenting on Monday’s match, Chirag coach Subrata Bhattacharjee said: “There is no doubt that Mohun Bagan is a very good side and it includes a number of top players of the country. However, we will also try to match them and go all out for a win tomorrow”. Bureau Report