Internet Desk: Mohun Bagan host South China AA of Hong Kong of the 2016 AFC Cup in a ‘Group G’ fixture in Sarusajai, Guwahati on Wednesday.
The Mariners, already guaranteed of a top spot in the group, have qualified for the Round of 16 play-offs and are scheduled to come back to the same venue in two week’s time for the knockout stages.
This particular fixture, squeezed between Mohun Bagan’s Federation Cup semi-final legs is proving to be somewhat of a headache for head coach Sanjoy Sen. Distinctively inconsequential in nature, a bad performance could lead to loss in momentum; although playing all the regulars might backfire with a bout of fatigue.
Coming into this game on the back of two strong outings (4-0 v Salgaocar and 5-0 v Shillong Lajong), Bagan start as outright favourites but the fact that nine first team members have not even traveled to Guwahati implies a sense of trepidation. As the season draws to an end, Sanjoy Sen is adamant on his youngsters getting a chance in the first team.
Vinay Singh and Arnab Das Sarma have traveled and the latter is expected to don the gloves as Debjit Majumder has been rested. All of Raju Gaikwad, Sarthak Golui, Abhishek Das and Sanjay Balmuchu could feature in defence alongside left-back Souvik Ghosh who is all set to make his second appearance after returning from injury.
Regulars Kinshuk Debnath, Dhanachandra Singh have stayed back. Pritam Kotal and Luciano Sobrosa trained but they can also be provided much needed rest.
India international Pronay Halder will join the squad in Shillong ahead of the Federation Cup semi-final. Skipper Katsumi Yusa, Kean Lewis and veteran Lalkamal Bhowmick could get a look-in, however Lenny Rodrigues and Souvik Chakraborti also stay in contention to marshall the midfield.
The attacking duo of Cornell Glen and Sony Norde have been given a break and Jeje Lalpekhlua will lead the line. Subash Singh is all set to reprise his role as a striker and Pankaj Moula also remians on Sen’s radar.
“They are a strong team. People are saying that we beat them 4-0 last time so this will be realtively easy but they have not seen the match we played. They are one of the strongest in their league and it will be a tough task tomorrow,” Mohun Bagan head coach Sanjoy Sen gauged the opponents on the eve of the match.
He added, “Our main aim is of course the Federation Cup because we have already qualified from our group here (AFC Cup) but we want to play for pride and finish unbeaten so we have to play well. There will be no complacency.”
The visitors South China will remember the 4-0 thrashing Mohun Bagan dealt them at home two months ago and surely won’t be laid-back when they line-up at Sarusajai. The Hong Kong side have not lived up to their expectation this season as they were nearly booted out with three losses on the spin in the group.
Consecutive wins against Maziya and Yangon have helped them push to six points and into second spot but are unsure of progressing as a win for either side in Yangon in the earlier match of the day (1630 IST), would see them drop to third and fail to progress.
Jose Ricardo Rambo, South China’s coach will be seeking redemption as he looks set to continue with Cristian Mora in goal. Agbo Fofo and Bojan Mališić will head the defensive line with Cheung Kin Fun. His dynamic 4-3-3 incluides a side which squeezes the opposition in attack, prohibiting them to use the flanks and makes use of the offside trap often.
Luis Carlos Vieira and Siu Ki Chan are the mainstays in midfield. Moses Mensah could also feature on the left channel. In attack, the prolific Aussie Ryan Griffiths will be deployed as a centre-forward with Mahama Awal and Lam Hok Hei supporting from either flank.
A tumultuous season behind them so far, South China will be itching to get back on track and make further inroads into the continent’s second tier competition. However, only a win will not secure them of a Round of 16 place as their progress hinges on Maziya and Yangon playing out a draw.