Siliguri: Mohun Bagan will look to end East Bengal’s seven-year reign in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) when the two bitter rivals clash for the title in the season’s first derby here Sunday. The last time Mohun Bagan won the title was in 2009 while the 38-time champions East Bengal will look to extend their dominance.
Mohun Bagan will have to win to go past East Bengal who are ahead on goal difference and they are jointly on 22 points. Kamo Stephane Bayi and Ansumana Kromah have been prolific upfront for Mohun Bagan and duo will need to play a big role if they are to deny East Bengal coach Khalid Jamil his first title with the red-and-gold.
East Bengal will be missing the services of striker VP Suhair while Trinidad & Tobago forward Willis Plaza is fit along with Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Al Amna who will be their two key players.
Having guided Aizawl FC to the I-League title following a fairytale journey, Jamil decided to take up the East Bengal mantle, and his first challenge will be Sunday.
Describing the game as the final, Jamil said: “No doubt there’s pressure for Sunday’s match. We made a good start in the tournament, and now, we need to end it perfectly.” Jamil also asserted that he is not contemplating on the past and is just looking towards the future. “What happened in the last seven seasons is not in my mind… I am concerned about what will happen with me in charge of the team. That is what I have told the boys also,” added the new coach.
Mohun Bagan coach Shankarlal Chakraborty is pinning hopes on his team’s possession football to end East Bengal’s reign. “In football, nothing is impossible. We are ready for this challenge,” Chakraborty said Saturday. He also pointed out that the result of the game will determine the future of his coaching career.