MARGAO, MAY 6
A keen contest is on the cards when defending champions Musli Power Churchill Brothers take on Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan in an ONGC 3rd I-League match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Friday.
Churchill Brothers are on 35 points from 21 matches behind table toppers Dempo Sports Club and Mahindra United and know that another slip against Mohun Bagan could see them giving the crown on a platter to Dempo.
Churchill Brothers coach Carlos Pereira Da Silva is keen to exploit the home advantage and play for a win. “Keeping that in mind, we have to try and outsmart them and play for a win,” he said. “The three points are very crucial, as it will take our tally of 38 points and stay closer to Dempo,” the Brazilian coach, who has been very unimpressive in the last outings said.
Pereira said that even though they held a psychological advantage over Mohun Bagan, having beaten in the finals of IFA Shield and Durand Cup, they would not take the Kolkata side for granted. “We have to really play well,” stated the coach, who will have to ask the defenders led by Gouramangi to perform or perish.
“I have confidence in my boys. After the victory at home, their morale is very high. I have great respect for Mohun Bagan.They have quality balance and are a very set side. After their defeat against Dempo in Kolkata, they will be motivated to turn the tide by going all out for a win,” said Pereira.
Churchill will miss the services of right wing back Robert L due to an injury. Wing back Naoba Singh will return and it will boost the morale of the team.
Mohun Bagan coach Biswajit Bhattacharjee is hoping fortune will smile back on them. “The loss in the previous match hasn’t affected the boys, but we will miss the services of attacking midfielder Ishaf Ahmed due to an injury. The boys played brilliantly and took an early lead. But suddenly, we lost the momentum and made a couple of mistakes that resulted in our eventual defeat to Dempo.”
“Churchill Brothers have the home advantage. They have some quality players like Odafa, Felix, Ogba, Gouramangi Singh, Arindam Bhattacharya and have performed consistently well this season. So we have to be at our very best,” the Bagan coach disclosed.
