Tag: mohun bagan

Time for the national team show : CAFA Nations Cup ’25

The 2025 CAFA Nations Cup will be the second edition of the tournament organised by the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) cohosted by Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from August 29 to September 8. India has been announced as the guest team, featuring in Group B with Tajikistan, Iran and Afghanistan. The participant nations of Group A are Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Oman. Iran won the first edition of the CAFA Nations Cup in 2023.

Different ground and environmental conditions, battle against teams with players of strong built-up, new national coach of Indian origin (Khalid Jamil) with fresh strategy – altogether it’s obviously going to be an exciting international exposure for the Blue Tigers. Hope, the boys would perform well and hold our tricolour high. India will take on host nation Tajikistan tomorrow (Aug 29), while the inaugural match will be between Afghanistan and defending champion Iran. This time, the Indian squad have no members from Mohun Bagan though. Let’s have a quick look at the full squad and the group stage fixtures (as per IST) of Group B.

Meme courtesy: AIFF official page

Remembering the legendary Gostha Pal on his 129th birth anniversary (20 August 1896 – 8 April 1976)

Gostha Behari Pal, or simply Gostha Pal, also known as the “Great Wall of China” was a legendary Indian footballer who played a significant role in popularizing football in India during the early 20th century. His association with Mohun Bagan AC was the most significant phase of his football career, where he played for nearly two decades. He also took part in club’s cricket, hockey and tennis.

Key Achievements with Mohun Bagan:

  • Captaincy: He was appointed the captain of Mohun Bagan in 1921 and held the position for six consecutive years, leading the team to the finals of the Rovers Cup in 1923, being the first Indian side to achieve the feat. He led Mohun Bagan to the finals of the India Football Association Shield too for the second time in the same year.
  • Impact: Gostha Pal played barefooted throughout his entire career and that too in the British colonial era. Such a gutsy and robust defender was he on the pitch, that even all the booted British regimented teams, as well as, the foreign visiting teams found him the toughest nut to crack. Off the pitch, he was the guardian to his younger teammates and players of the new generation. He became a prominent face of the Indian freedom movement against the tyrant British through his sporting prowess. His dedication and passion towards Mohun Bagan was just unparalleled. He was associated with several activities of the club till his last day.

Legacy:

  • Padma Shri: Pal was awarded the Padma Shri in 1962, becoming the first footballer in India to receive the honour.
  • Postage Stamp: A postage stamp was dedicated to him by India Post in 1998, recognizing his contributions to Indian football.
  • Statue: A life-size statue of Pal was erected at Kolkata Maidan in 1984, opposite Eden Gardens, to honour his legacy.
  • Mohun Bagan Ratna: He was posthumously awarded the prestigious Mohun Bagan Ratna in 2004, the club’s accolade of highest order.
  • The main road where our maidan club tent of Mohun Bagan AC and the main entrance of the Eden Gardens are located is also named after him as Gostha Pal Sarani.
  • Gostha Pal is still revered as a football icon in India, and his towering legacy continues to inspire aspiring footballers.

Durand Cup – Boro Match : Preview

Mohun Bagan is committed to sustaining their winning momentum in the Durand Cup 2025 as they prepare to challenge Emami East Bengal at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The Mariners aim for a decisive win to extend their recent derby victories.

In recent matches, Mohun Bagan has utilized all their available foreign players except for Dimitri Petratos. The Mariners appear eager as they approach their continental tournament. The group stage posed no challenges for them, as they convincingly overpowered their opponents. However, the path ahead will not be straightforward, as the knockout rounds bring the weight of expectation. For Mohun Bagan, this crucial moment is intensified by the presence of their fiercest rivals, making this quarter-final a critical match. The Mariners have yet to encounter an opponent capable of testing their forwards. Nevertheless, the Red and Gold Brigade will not be an easy challenge for the in-form attackers of Mohun Bagan. The ISL champions are keen to overcome their arch-rivals, who represent the most significant obstacle in their pursuit of Durand Cup success.

There are signs of potential injuries arising from the Mariners’ training session, with reports indicating that Manvir Singh and Kiyan Nassiri will be absent for this crucial match, which may impact their attacking options. Additionally, center back Tom Aldred has been reported to be experiencing difficulties following the training session. Jose Molina will face the challenge of leading his team with several key players unavailable.

This match transcends a mere quarter-final; it is a cultural event. With both teams unbeaten and scoring freely, an exciting clash is anticipated. Mohun Bagan’s sharp finishing will meet Emami East Bengal’s relentless pressing approach. The Salt Lake Stadium is poised to be a center of intense emotions, and the result could significantly impact the legacy of both clubs.

Historical Rivalry & Stakes

Club Durand Cup Titles Recent Form Key Players
Mohun Bagan 17 (Record) 3 wins, 12 goals Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, Jamie Maclaren
Emami East Bengal 16 3 wins, 12 goals Bipin Singh, Dimitrios Diamantakos

  • This is Indian football’s fiercest rivalry, with over 400 encounters historically.

  • Mohun Bagan have dominated recent top-tier derbies.

  • Mohun Bagan want to break their own record and add one more Durand Cup trophy in their cabinet. 

  • The winner will face the victor of Jamshedpur FC vs Diamond Harbour FC in the semi-finals

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