Today Mohun Bagan resumed practice for AFC Cup after having two days rest. Today all the players were present in practice today including Sangram, Habibur, Odafe and Barreto who skipped practice session due to injury and will not be part of the team that will travel to Jordan. Coach has not yet decided on their replacement yet. Tommorow practice session will resume at 7.45 a.m. and there will be a practice match that is scheduled to start from 8.30 a.m. Team will take Saturday’s flight to go to Jordan.

Habibur has slight hamstring injury and so has been rested for this match, today during the practice he was seen exercising in the gym. Speaking exclusively to us, he said, "I am happy with the performance of Mohun Bagan this year, we have missed out on one trophy this year. I am hopeful that next year we will make it 4 out of 4. I have 2 years contract and I am very much happy in Mohun Bagan with my coach, coplayers and officials." Goalkeeper Sangram who suffered a leg injury in Kuwait said that likely he will not be able to play the last match of Mohun Bagan this year that will be held on May 19th. He is hopeful that he will be fit by 1 month.

Today in practice there were two new players, Manish, a midfielder from New Delhi and a foreigner, both of them have been recommended by Chima Okerie. Coach Karim after practice said, "Team is extremely tired after a tiring season and there are few injuries but still we will try our level best to perform well in the last 2 AFC Cup matches."

 

 

 

 

After practice, there was a group photo session held in club lawn with all the three trophies that Mohun Bagan won this year. Added to this, all the players individually posed with the three trophies. On behalf of Mohun Bagan club, all the players will be given two photographs (one group photo and his individual one) as a memento to keep with them for this year’s successful performance. This is really a unique thing which has been done by club officials and coach. Also Rs. 15000 has been given to all the players who were part of Super Cup team and Rs. 5000 has been given to the reserve players and supporting staff.

Captain Bhaichung said, "The season has been a very successful one. We just missed on the I league, perhaps we should have done better in the first few matches. Coach Karim has done a great job and you can see that the result shows how good he was."

The prospect of playing the Asian Cup two years from now lights up Baichung Bhutia’s eyes, but when it comes to discussing the future of Indian football, he hesitates and stumbles. His has been a case of been-there-done-that, but 17 years into his close association with Indian football, Baichung shudders to think that the game is actually going backwards in this country, thanks to poor infrastructure and an aimless system. Any unfulfilled dream? Baichung paused for a while before saying: “It was not possible this season. But I really want to win the I-League for Mohun Bagan.” “I don’t think we have been serious enough in improving basic needs for the game to grow. The quality has gone up with the introduction of I-League, but the worst part is that infrastructure has remained the same. We are talking about taking a forward stride, but lack of infrastructure is actually taking Indian football backwards,” the Indian captain told a gathering during CII’s Young Indians programme on Wednesday. No wonder then that he urges the national federation to have a long-term plan in place. An icon for the youth, Baichung delved into several aspects of the game and life during the interactive session. He wants the young voters to choose their candidate properly, without being driven by political ideologies. The Mohun Bagan skipper, who has just finished reading Booker Prize winner Arvind Adiga’s The White Tiger, borrowed a line from the book, saying: “Most voters in the country are half-baked and there are other half-cooked ideas in their head.”

    

Mohun Bagan team today returned to Kolkata with Super Cup trophy. Jose Barreto, who was injured after scoring the winning goal, today had plastic surgery in his tongue in a city nursing home and then was soon discharged after the operation. Marcos said, “Mohun Bagan is the best team of the country as we had beaten I league champions Churchill twice this year. Our performance this year was very consistent.” Manju who has made a habit of scoring goals said, “I am happy in Mohun Bagan, if I get good offer, I will stay here only. We are very satisfied by beating Churchill and winning Super Cup.” Mohun Bagan team will have their next practice session on Thursday morning at 8.30 am.

According to Sports Planet in Zee Sports, Karim Bencharifa and Sangram Mukherjee has been selected as best coach and best goalkeeper of I league, though official confirmation has not yet been received by both of them. Federation Cup Champion Mohun Bagan team will go to Gurgaon tomorrow to play their Super Cup match against I league champion Churchill Brothers. The match will be held on April 26th in Gurgaon. Last year Mohun Bagan beat Dempo 4-0 to win Super Cup. The 18 member team for Super Cup is: Sangram, Shilton, Rahul, Manju, Dipak, Vashan, Mohanraj, Habibur, Ishfaq, James Sr., Lalkamal, Rakesh, Lalramluah, Marcos, Barreto, Branco, Bhaichung and Tulunga.

Coach, we heard you are being selected as the best coach of I league.

Karim: Thanks but I have not got any official confirmation of this yet from AIFF. I saw this in yesterday’s Sports Planet in Zee sports. You know, I would have been more happy if Mohun Bagan would have won the I league. We fought till last round but just could not manage to reach the goal. But if the news is true, then I would first like to thanks All India Football Federation and dedicate this fully to my players without whom I am nothing and also to the officials of Mohun Bagan club who has given full support to me. We have worked as a team. Of course, you know, I make plans and strategies but ultimately it is the players who implement them in field, so this reward is for them only.

What do you think was the main reason?

Karim: See I don’t want to look back in the past and the mistakes we made in the past. Right now, we will try our best to win Super Cup. But yes, talking about I league, first few matches we faltered, I think that cost us the I league, many key players were injured at that time.

Coming to AFC Cup, what went wrong in Kuwait?

Karim: We were completely outplayed by the Kuwait team. They were much superior side. In Kolkata, we played with our full team against their second team (6 key players were absent from their team) but still we could not penetrate much. Whereas in Kuwait, they got their full team and we did not have 3 important players Bhaichung, Odafa and Mama. Bhaichung and Odafa are first team players and both of them are very good aerial ball players, especially during setpieces.

50% of the reason that we lost the match was due to their superior quality and physique, we were completely outplayed by them. 25% I can be blamed because may be I was not able to motivate the players enough to play well and the remaining 25% reason I don’t want to discuss here.

Kuwait SC dominated the match and we were 2-0 down within 20 minutes. After that, we started controlling the game a bit but was not able to penetrate their defence. We tried to hold the ball and attack but soon after we conceded 2 more goals against run of play and match was over in first half only.

AFC quoted you as saying we lost due to mistake by goalkeeper and defence?

Karim: I was misquoted. I never criticize my player. What I said was we had a bad game and Kuwait SC played well, dominated the match and won comfortably. Actually it was the Kuwait coach who said that Mohun Bagan played so well in Kolkata but here I think their defence and goalkeeper let them down. It was his opinion and not mine. Actually I was speaking in English and not Arabic. Though I know Arabic, I prefer to speak in English so that my players and staff understand what I am saying. May be the person who was translating made a mistake.

Are you confident about Super cup?

Karim: We will definitely try our best. We are extremely exhausted now. It is not possible for any team to do so much flying and then playing within such a short period of time. We played against Dempo on 12th, 14th we went to Delhi, 16th we played against Mahindra, 17th morning we came back, 18th we took flight for Kuwait via Dubai, 20th we reached there, 21st we played match there, 23rd evening we reach Kolkata via Dubai (spending the night there), 25th morning we are leaving for Gurgaon to play the match against Churchill on 26th. This whole schedule is difficult even for a normal person who does not have to run and play in the field for 90 minutes. Now you can imagine the condition of our players at the present moment. Hopefully, we will be able to give our best on Sunday and win Super Cup.

We heard Sangram has been selected as best goalkeeper?

Karim: Yes, I saw it in the news yesterday in Sports Planet in Zee Sports. There were 3 contenders for best coach, myself, Derek and Zoran. Sangram is chosen best goalkeeper, Gourmangi best defender. In midfield, Marcos was one of the three contenders for best midfielders, Kalu won it. Odafe got two awards, best forward and best player. Marcos was also contender for best player of I league. But again I have no official confirmation for all of this. I am telling you what I saw in TV.

Have you decided on the 18 member team for Super Cup?

Karim: Out of the 17 players who went to Kuwait (Sangram, Shilton, Rahul Kumar, Manju, Dipak, Vashan, Mohanraj, Habibur, Ishfaq, James Sr., Lalkamal, Rakesh, Lalramluah, Marcos, Barreto, Branco and Lalampuia were part of Kuwait team), Bhaichung will be included in the team and Lalampuia will be replaced by Tulunga. About goalkeeper, I have not yet decided. Sangram is slightly injured, if he does not go, Chiradeep might go in his place, will take the final decision today evening.

 

 

We also had a short telephonic interview with Sangram Mukherjee.

Congrats for becoming best goalkeeper of I league.

Sangram: Actually I also heard this news but have not got any confirmation yet. I hope it becomes true. I would be very happy. I last got this reward last 6 years back when I was in East Bengal, EB had won I league that year.

In the last match we conceded 6 goals.

Sangram: That was just an accident. Actually the penalty that we conceded in 9th minute changed the complexion of the game. After that we were completely outplayed by Kuwait SC.

Do you think Mohun Bagan will be able to win Super Cup?

Sangram: Definitely we have a big chance. Last year also we defeated Dempo and won Super Cup. This year we will have to avenge defeat against Churchill and win the trophy.

Have you decided to stay in Mohun Bagan next year?

I have not made any decision as of yet. I have offers from many clubs. I will make my decision later on. I have contract of Mohun Bagan till May 31.

INTERVIEW: Shiladitya Mitra

                           

 

Mohun Bagan suffered a humiliating defeat in the hands of Kuwait SC by 6-0. Mohun Bagan played well in first half and got few chances. One free kick of Marcos was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper. This is the worst defeat of Mohun Bagan in this season. Mohun Bagan next play against Churchill on April 26th in Super Cup.

Three goals from Syrian midfielder Jehad Al Hussien steered Kuwait Sports Club to a 6-0 win over India’s Mohun Bagan and top spot in Group D of the AFC Cup.

 Kuwait SC established a 4-0 lead following two goals apiece from Al Hussien and Faraj Laheeb before the former notched his treble in the second-half and a Nanjangud Manju own goal completed the scoring and condemned Mohun to a fourth successive defeat.

The home side went in front with just nine minutes gone when Al Hussien was fouled inside the box by Manju and the Syrian international made no mistake from the spot.

 

 

 

Al Hussien doubled the advantage for his side after 21 minutes with a first-time volley that went under Mohun goalkeeper Sangram Mukherjee’s body.

 

Kuwait SC continued their dominance and added a third goal after 34 minutes as Laheeb’s powerful shot from outside the area flew low into the net beyond Mukherjee.

Laheeb added his second goal on the night and the fourth for the Kuwaitis five minutes later when Al Hussien’s shot from inside the area was saved by Mukherjee but Laheeb was on hand to convert the rebound.

Mohun Bagan’s best chance in the first-half came in stoppage time when Brazilian midfielder Marcos Pereira struck a decent free-kick but Kuwait SC goalkeeper Musab Al Kandari turned the ball behind for a corner.

Pereira had another sight of goal five minutes after the hour mark when he struck a shot from outside the area but Al Kandari was in the right place to palm the ball behind.

Kuwait SC continued their dominance in the second-half but they had to wait until the 72nd minute to score their fifth goal as Al Hussien recorded his hat-trick with a powerful volley past Mukherjee.

The home side ended an excellent night’s work with a sixth goal 12 minutes from full-time when Jarah Al Ataiqi’s cross from the left was turned into his own net by Manju.

TEAM: Sangram, Dipak, Vashan (Mohanraj 46), Manju, Habibur, Ishfaq (Lalampuia 76), Masih, Marcos, James Singh Sr., Barreto (Lalramluah 63), Branco.

REPORT: Courtesy www.the-afc.com

PICTURE: Souvik Goswami

The McDowell Mohun Bagan Team arrived at Kuwait City in the early morning hours of 19th April 2009 to participate in the AFC Cup 2009 Group D away match against Kuwait Sports Club. The team is as follows: Sangram, Shilton, Rahul Kumar, Manju, Dipak, Vashan, Mohanraj, Habibur, Ishfaq, James Sr., Lalkamal, Rakesh, Lalramluah, Marcos, Barreto, Branco and Lalampuia. Bhaichung and Odafe is not part of the team due to injury.

Mohun Bagan had a light training session from 5:30 pm onwards yesterday for about 75 minutes at a training ground just adjacent to the Kuwait Stadium; home of Kuwait SC and the venue for the match.

The Team then went to a get together organized by Bengal Cultural Society. The Team received a warm welcome and applause from the members and their families present and was made to feel totally at home in a country where petrol is cheaper than mineral water. Mr. Anjan Kumar Mitra, Head of the Delegation was presented a replica of the DHOW (traditional Arab sailing wooden boat with mast). These boats were used by the Kuwaitis during ancient period to trade with India. They used to carry pearls to India and bring back spices from India. It was all the more befitting since it reminded us of the country boat with green and maroon sails that is the logo of the Club. A replica of the Kuwait Tower was also presented to Mr. Mitra. On behalf of the entire Team, Mr. Mitra thanked the Bengal Cultural Society for their generosity. It is hoped that quite a number of Indians especially members of this Society would be present at the Stadium for the match to cheer the Team.

 

 

 

Mohun Bagan team will take today’s evening flight for Kuwait where they will play their AFC Cup away match against Kuwait SC on April 21, 2009.Mohun Bagan team will take 17 players to Kuwait.. The players who are part of the team are: Sangram, Shilton, Rahul Kumar, Manju, Dipak, Vashan, Mohanraj, Habibur, Ishfaq, James Sr., Lalkamal, Rakesh, Lalramluah, Marcos, Barreto, Branco and Lalampuia. Bhaichung and Odafe will not be part of the team due to injury.

Chief Coach Karim Bencharifa met the Press here at New Delhi today. Captain Bhaichung Bhutia was with him. When asked about the opponent, Karim mentioned that Mahindra United is a very good side. There are very good players and he along with the team members respects the opponent. Karim also mentioned that the team was pretty upset after the 1-1 draw against JCT. He felt the team should be do their best and secure 3 points against Mahindra rather than waiting for Churchill – Mohammedan Sporting outcome! Regarding the reserve bench – he said he will not repent for what he has got and he feels team Mohun Bagan will play much better in the return leg of AFC.

Captain Bhaichung Bhutia was also in a light mood. When asked about the prospect of winning the i-League, Bhaichung wished that team Mohun Bagan will secure 3 vital points and hope Churchill will miss 2 or 3 points!!!

When asked about the best match in the season, he mentioned that after Bagan was at the bottom of the table with 7 points from 5 matches, team Mohun Bagan had a dream run to secure 30 points from 10 matches- and that was the best performance in the season.

Team Mohun Bagan practiced in the Ambedkar Stadium from 3 pm for an hour. The probable team is Sangram, Deepak, Vasan, Odafe, Habibur, Ishfaq, Rahul, James, Mama, Barreto, Bhaichung.

Mohun Bagan club celebrated the traditional Bar Pujo yesterday on Bengali New Year’s Day.  The entire club lawn was well decorated with flowers.  The air was filled with soft shehanai music and atmosphere was festive yet cultured. The Bar Pujo took place at both ends of the football field amidst chanting of the holy mantra and putting of vermilion on the bar posts with the officials and fans were treated to refreshments.

 

                          

  PICTURE: TRIDIP SHEET

Mohun Bagan continued to chase Churchill Brothers for the I-league title , after N. S Manju showed his brilliance and converted a Barreto chip to a goal 3 seconds before the final whistle. Barreto scored the first goal as Marcos gave a brilliant pass for Barreto in the right side of the box – and Barreto placed it really well – gem of a goal. This happned in the 28th minute. Ranty scored the only goal for Dempo at the 55th minute.

Later Bhaichung scored in the 33rd minute but referee canceled the goal – not sure if he was under pressure from outside the ground!!!

But the scoreline could have been 3-0 at the first half , but Referee Rizwan-ul-Haq played really well for Dempo. He first stopped Bagan from scoring a goal at the 23rd minute, and then cancelled a clear goal scored by Bhaichung. Later in the second half he overuled a demand for penalty when Bhaichung was pulled down by Samir Naik.

In one occassion he perhaps thought of showing marching order to Mahesh – whose only work was to hit Bhaichung – but Dempo players created pressure on him. Bagan got few more chances to increase the lead – Dempo goalkeeper Abhijit Mandal really played well and stopped Bagan from scoring more goals. The whole 1st XI played well for Bagan and Sangram was really good under the bars. He saved two long shots – one from Beto and the other from Ranty.

Both the side backs were going up and creating pressure on Dempo defense – Ishfaq, Lalkamal took load as well. Though he had taken two poor free kicks but overall Marcos led the midfield very well. James was seen playing up and down.

Bhaichung was brilliant – had his goal not been cancelled and his due penalty given, even he could have been a contender of the Man of the Match award. Also in first half he made a brilliant attempt when his side volley missed by whisker.

Barreto was awarded Man of the Match and he proved the Bengali proverb "sit grisMo borsha – Barreto-i Vorsha" (whether its winter, summer or rainy season – Barreto is the saviour) so true.

But the bad news is that Bagan will not have N. S. Manju, Rakesh Masih, Marcos Perreira and Lalkamal Bhowmik for the Mahindra match. Manju and Masih were booked for taking off their jerseys after the last goal of the match. The same referee who was so particular about showing card for taking off jersey did not show cards to Dempo players for hitting at Mariners, particularly Mahesh Gawli.

In the last round match, Mohun Bagan will face Mahindra United in Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi while Churchill will host Mohammedan Sporting in Goa. Mohun Bagan will have to win the last match and hope that Mohammedan manage to hold Churchill, in that case Mohun Bagan will become champions, but if Churchill gets 3 points from the last match, they will get the title for the first time irrespective of result of Mohun Bagan match. All the final round matches will be played on April 16th.

TEAM: Sangram, Dipak, Manju, Odafe, Habibur, Ishfaq, Marcos, Lalkamal (Masih 71′), James Singh Sr. (Branco 69′), Bhaichung, Barreto.

REACTION OF BARRETO AND MANJU AFTER SCORING THE GOALS (COURTESY GANASHAKTI)

We had a short interview of our "magician" coach Karim after the match.</p><p>

Question: Congrats for winning today’s match.

Karim: Thank you very much.

Question: Do you think Mohun Bagan will be able to win I league?

Karim: Let us hope so. We will have to win our last match and  hope something positive happen for us in the other match in Goa.

Question: What were your thoughts on bringing on Rakesh in place of Lalkamal?

Karim: Well, firstly I wanted to bring in a fresh leg. Also I wanted to use his strength in dead ball situation inside opponent penalty box. He was involved in the winning goal, he gave the long ball towards Barreto.

Question: You made a few strategical changes in 2nd half.

Karim: In first half we played 4-4-2. When we brought in Branco we switched over to 4-3-3, with Barreto, Bhaichung and Branco being forward and Marcos being the holding midfielder and Ishfaq and Rakesh in the flanks, but then I saw a huge gap was forming between Bhaichung and Marcos, so I used Diamond system for last 10 minutes or so which is 4-3-1-2 bringing Barreto down a little bit to form a bridge between forward and midfield. In injury time, I asked Manju to go up and try to flick the ball for Branco and Bhaichung and also go for header in the box during setpiece and other movements. At that time, we played with three defenders.

Question: You will miss 4 players in next match. Have you thought about whom to use in midfield in place of Rakesh, Lalkamal and Marcos?

Karim: I have been thinking about few options but would not like to disclose that now.

Question: Do you want to make any comment on Barreto.

Karim: What can I say about him? Barreto is Barreto. I am very lucky to have such a player in my team. He is a great player. All the other players are also very good in my team.

Question: Congrats once again for the win and best of luck for Mahindra match.

Karim: Thanks a lot.

            

 PICTURE COURTESY: TIMES OF INDIA

Mohun Bagan will play against Dempo in their penultimate match of I league 2008-09 on Sunday, April 12, 2009. The match will be held in Barasat stadium from 6.30 pm. This is a must win match for Mariners. Mohun Bagan now has 40 points from 20 matches and currenly in 2nd position in league table. Churchill is leading with 43 matches from 21 matches while Sporting de Goa is at 40 points from 21 matches.

Yesterday Mohun Bagan had their practice session in the morning from 8.30 a.m. Few senior players like Barreto, Bhaichung, Sangram, Manju, Ishfaq, Marcos, Dipak and Odafe had a rest day; however, today morning at same time, there will be practice session for full team. Mohun Bagan had so far played twice against Dempo this year, once in I league and the next time in Federation Cup final, both times Mohun Bagan won 1-0, Barreto scored in both matches. Barreto who played last match of AFC cup with fever is expected to be fully fit before Dempo match and Manju might also play the match.

So far this year Mohun Bagan has won Kolkata league and Federation Cup. In I league they still have a chance to win the tournament but in AFC Cup Mariners failed to win any match so far. Unluckily, Mohun Bagan’s group is the toughest group of this year’s edition of AFC Cup and team fought valiantly but lost the three matches 1-0, 2-1 and 1-0. In case of Dempo, they definitely had a great AFC Cup so far and last year also they reached semi finals but their domestic season has been poor, in Goa league they are now in 3rd position 11 points behind league leaders Churchill, could not win Federation Cup and in I league they are in 4th place 13 points behind Churchills.

Mohun Bagan will play their final round match of I league in Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi against Mahindra United on April 16th. Meanwhile, the last two round matches of Mohun Bagan in AFC Cup has been rescheduled, now they will play their away match on 5th May and home match on 19th May. The Super Cup match of Mohun Bagan will be on 26th April in Gurgaon.

                              

PICTURE: SOUMYADEB SINHA

Mohun Bagan lost today’s AFC Cup match 1-0 to Kuwait SC. Mohun Bagan put up a brilliant fight today but due to a mistake by defenders conceded a silly goal in 2nd half. Baichung and Ishfaq missed easy chances to score. Mohun Bagan will next play their AFC Cup match on April 21st whereas their next I league match is scheduled on April 12th against Dempo. The last round I league match of Mohun Bagan will be held in Ambedkar Stadium on April 16th against Mahindra United.

Mohun Bagan fought hard today but lost 1-0 to Kuwait SC in their AFC Cup match played in Howrah Stadium. After losing this match, it has now become really hard for them to reach the next round. They now have three matches remaining in this tournament out of which two are away matches. Mohun Bagan had a great first half and was attacking from the very 1st minute. Ishfaq made a good start and he was seen falling back and snatching nicely and also with his speedy run was bothering the Kuwaiti right back a lot. In 3rd minute, Baichung gave a sliding pass to Habibur but his center went straight to Kuwait goalkeeper. In 8th minute, James nicely took the ball from a Kuwait midfielder and gave a good pass to Barreto but he hesitated a bit and lost possession of the ball. Barreto played today’s match with fever. Karim said after match, "Barreto was not physically fit to play today’s match but he made a sacrifice for the team and agreed to play." In 13th minute, Mohun Bagan missed the easiest chance of the match. From Habibur center, Baichung brilliantly got past the central defender of Kuwait and goalkeeper was out of position. Baichung hurriedly lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper but ball went out over cross bar, he could have opted for dribbling past the keeper, a nice effort by Baichung went in vain. In 19th minute, F. Laheeb got the ball at edge of box but Odafe who had a superb match in defence nicely followed him, did not commit and made a brilliant tackle to avert danger. In the next minute, Dipak-Baichung-Ishfaq build up a nice move via left flank but Ishfaq’s center went over Dipak’s head to goalkeeper. In 23rd minute, Ishfaq again made a good run down left flank and crossed the ball to far corner of the box towards Baichung but goalkeeper came out and collected the ball nicely. Kuwait SC coach was seen shouting instructions "Don’t loose the ball, hold the ball." Since Mohun Bagan was dominating the match, the experienced coach wanted to slow down the game and not lose possession easily.

  

In 25th minute, Karim asked Ishfaq to change flanks with James Singh. When we asked coach after the match about this change, he said, "Actually the right back of Kuwait SC was matching well with Ishfaq and he was covering up Ishfaq well, so I brought James to this side as James can cross the ball from behind the player while in the right flank while Ishfaq can easily beat their left back by speed." In 32nd minute, a Kuwait player got slightly injured and fell to ground, referee said play-on and James Singh took the ball and took a shot towards goal that went over cross bar. Suddenly the Kuwait players charged Mohun Bagan players for carrying on the game and pushed Marcos and Baichung. Marcos retaliated and the match was stopped for 3 minutes. Marcos and F. Laheeb was shown yellow card. In 41st minute, Barreto and Ishfaq combined well down left flank and Barreto was fouled outside box, but Marcos direct free kick hit the human wall and went out. In 3rd minute of extra time, from Odafe long throw, Rakesh back headed the ball which Ishfaq took a flying side volley but ball went out, this was also a good chance wasted. 

Mohun Bagan continued their domination in 2nd half. In 5th minute, James took a shot from outside box that went straight to goalkeeper. In 9th minute, Habibur who had a good match released the ball from right flank which Baichung leaped to head the ball but was collected safely by the keeper. In 12th minute, from Marcos corner, Odafe headed the ball that was cleared from goalline. Kuwait SC then had a good spell of football for about 15 minutes in which they scored the goal. In 13th minute from counter attack, Dipak easily lost possession of the ball and F. Laheeb who was undoubtedly the best player for Kuwait SC made a down the middle run and took a shot from edge of the box that beat Sangram and missed by a whisker. In 14th minute of this half, Mohun Bagan made the first change of the match bringing on Mama in place of James Singh. In the next minute, Kuwait SC got a very good chance when from E. Saleh’s center, F. Laheeb headed the ball out from very close range. In the 18th minute, Ishfaq needlessly conceded a free kick in left side of the box. J. Alateeqi floated the ball inside box and Mohun Bagan defence perhaps made the only mistake of the match and hesitated to clear the ball and S. Almartah neatly back heeled it past stranded Sangram in goalline, Kuwait SC went 1-0 up. In 21st minute, Marcos took a high cross that Baichung chest trapped the ball, ball went to Ishfaq but his shot went wide. In 31st minute, Barreto got a loose ball from midfield and passed the ball to Ishfaq who was unmarked but again he lacked finish and took a very poor shot. In 34th minute, Masih gave a long pass to Ishfaq in left flank who gave a pass inside box that went to Dipak who saw his shot roll agonizingly wide of the far post. In 37th minute, Mohun Bagan made a double change bringing on Lalkamal and Branco in place of Ishfaq and Barreto. Last 5 minutes of the match, Mohun Bagan could not create much chance and Kuwait SC kept possession of the ball among themselves. Tulunga and Vashan also got yellow card. Tulunga will miss next AFC Cup match as this is his 2nd yellow card in AFC cup.

          

After match in press conference, Karim said, "We controlled the game and had good possession of the ball but we didn’t penetrate enough. Their defence was extremely strong. I am very disappointed with the way we conceded the goal. In 1st half we were steady and played well but in 2nd half we could have defended a little better, we made few silly mistakes and gifted the goal." When asked about Dempo’s performance in AFC Cup, he said, "Dempo I feel is a very good quality team and experienced also. What Mohun Bagan lack is players with good International experience. In my team, of the Indian players other than Baichung none of the players have good International experience that is required very much in AFC Cup. Since our players lack experience, in last 15 minutes, they were playing more square passes which was not the need of the hour. I was urging them to go for direct pass." On Mohun Bagan’s chance in AFC Cup, coach said, "Our chance is now very tough, we will have to win the next 3 matches, only positive thing is that 2 teams will qualify from each group, let’s see what happens. Actually Middle East teams are very tough compared to South East teams and our group is the toughest, you can see this from prediction in AFC website also."

 

Kuwait coach on his assessment of the match said, "1st half was hard but 2nd half we played better, that free kick changed the match. We played with new team, lot of new players, and this was the 1st big match for many of them." He praised performance of Mohun Bagan and said Baichung and Ishfaq played well. On his team’s chance in AFC cup, he said, "We have a good chance now. I think if we get 3 points more, we will qualify for next round. I don’t wait for other’s results, I will have to win and assure my place in knock out stage."

Mohun Bagan have their next practice session on Thursday at 8.30 a.m. Meanwhile, it has been decided in a meeting held in New Delhi that all final round matches of I league will be held on April 16th. Mohun Bagan will play Mahindra United in Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi. The Super Cup match is scheduled on April 26th.

TEAM: Sangram, Dipak, Odafe, Vashan, Habibur, Ishfaq (Lalkamal 82), Masih, Marcos, James Singh Sr. (Tulunga 59), Baichung, Barreto (Branco 82)

                

 PICTURE: Soumyadeb Sinha

For more pictures of today’s match, see https://www.mohunbaganclub.com/gallery.php, pictures taken by Soumyadeb Sinha