Yes. The deadly goal machine has done it again as the Mariners snatched 3 points from vibrant Mumbai FC and placed themselves in the 2nd position in iLeague table. Odafa scored twice in 2nd half to help the Mariners crossed the victory lap ahead of opponent coming from one goal down.

The proverb – ‘Morning shows the day’ have proved to be wrong yet again today. With most of the top players are out either for critical injury or for suspension, it was real headache for the Mohun Bagan team management to decide first XI against an opponent who has been known for creating upset. The gamble to place Mohanraj, who has been out for quite long time for sustained injury, into first XI almost back fired as he had to be replaced by debutant Deepak Kumar, who has been registered for senior team only a day back. However, as a promising young blood from Mohun Bagan- SAIL academy, Dipak has been able to acclimatize quickly in vulnerable left back position.The proverb – ‘Morning shows the day’ have proved to be wrong yet again today. With most of the top players are out either for critical injury or for suspension, it was real headache for the Mohun Bagan team management to decide first XI against an opponent who has been known for creating upset. The gamble to place Mohanraj, who has been out for quite long time for sustained injury, into first XI almost back fired as he had to be replaced by debutant Deepak Kumar, who has been registered for senior team only a day back. However, as a promising young blood from Mohun Bagan- SAIL academy, Dipak has been able to acclimatize quickly in vulnerable left back position.

Going by the flow of the match, it was a subdued first half for the Mariners with frequent fumbles at mid-fields and defense as the supply line for Odafa-Ashim combo were dried. Opponent took the advantage of the situation and opened the score card making the stadium stunned. The situation didn’t change till the veteran TD of the Mohun Bagan made his first tactical change by bringing NP Pradeep in place of Zelany early in the second half. Started as more of a holding medio role, Pradeep started much needed O2 to the supply line. Another master stroke by injecting fresh blood of Manish Bhargav in place of jaded Ashim proved to be too spicy to handle for the opposition to held the their leader in slender margin. Odafa first equalized from the penalty as the opponent defender tripped Manish when he was about to finish the brilliant back heel inside Mumbai FC penalty box. Immediately after the equalizer, Odafa found the net again as Mumbai FC custodian fumbled.

Jose Barreto joined team practice today at Mohun Bagan Ground. He told to the press that he has no problem so far with the officials and coaches in the team. His main aim to win I League this year as it is quite wide open to the teams. He also told that whichever problem raised after derby, that has been solved and there is no problem at all in the team. He added that Mohun Bagan is close to his heart. Finance Secretary Debasis Dutta told that Barreto has to take rest up to 4 weeks for his injury. So there is no place for speculation.

It was almost a bloodshed for the Mariners at Salt Lake stadium today when 3 key fighters – Nabi, Barreto and Lima had to leave the ground with serious injury whereas some other players including Odafa narrowly escaped vociferous challenges and monstrous assaults by the opposition players. Needless to curse the match officials whose match control and decision making was no more than a puppet show.

The match ended in a draw as Odafa, the goal machine, equalized with a brilliant right footer immediately after the lemon break. Mariners was gaining the control over the match in the second half immediately after the equalizer as Barreto replaced Zelany. However, the double blow – injury of Barreto and then Lima pushed them back as Barreto was replaced by Ashim and no option was left to replace Lima as Nabi had to replaced earlier due to injury. Mohun Bagan had to escape mad tackles with 10 men towards the fag end of the match.

In summary, 1 point in our bag with 3 critical injuries, bogus match control and perhaps advantage Dempo at the end of round 19. However, according to our TD, iLeague is far from over. And we strongly endorse his optimism.