AFC Cup 2017: Mohun Bagan to face Maziya without the key players including Norde

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Both teams at the press-conference ahead of the AFC Cup encounter. Image Source: XtraTime

Kolkata: Mohun Bagan to shift focus from the I-League to the AFC Cup as the Mariners look to maintain their winning run in the international club competition. Though the Bagan coach wants to be circumspect about choosing his 18 men squad against the club from Maldives. The Bagan gaffer wants to protect his key players like Eduardo, Anas, Debjit Majumder and Sony Norde and has decided to give them the necessary “rest” ahead of the title deciding game of the I-League against Aizwal FC where the tickets have already been sold out.

The Bagan coach has also decided to keep his two attacking trump cards Darryl Duffy and Katsumi Yusa in the 18 men squad. The Bagan coach mentioned, “There will be a lot of changes in the team tomorrow.” The Mariners played this club from Maldives in the previous season as well. But Sanjoy Sen said, “The team which played against us in the previous season has transformed themselves a lot. This is a new and stronger side. My intention will be to see them off in the first 15 minutes. Then we will play according to our plans.” He added, “The boys are motivated and we are taking game very seriously.”

Youngster Azharuddin Mullick is also looking to make amends in the international club competition. The youngster scored a breathtaking goal in the Kolkata derby and has been growing in confidence. In the press conference he said, “I would like to score goals in the AFC Cup to help my team. It will do my confidence a world of good.”

Maziya though is a formidable unit and has come with all their foreigners to take the challenge. The Maziya coach said, “We know Mohun Bagan is a very strong side and we are not bothered if they are willing to give rest to their key players.”