Mariners look to seal berth in next round
Kolkata: Mohun Bagan will look to seal its berth in the next round of the AFC Cup, when they take on Club Valencia of Maldives in the qualifying group play off at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium on Tuesday. Bagan coach Sanjay Sen has hinted a number of changes going into the clash.
Sony Norde, who missed the away leg, will make a return to the first eleven. The Haiti marksman will undoubtedly add to the strength of the hosts.
However in-form Scottish striker Darryl Duffy is likely to be rested for the tie. Duffy scored the only goal for Bagan in their 1-1 draw at Maldives.
“I have decided to leave Duffy and Pranoy (Halder) from the eighteen man squad. Shilton will also not feature in the match as he is nursing an injury. Pritam (Kotal) is also doubtful,” said Sanjay Sen in his pre match press conference.
There are doubts surrounding Katsumi Yuasa as well. The Bagan coach and captain are in the middle of crossroads with Sanjay Sen wishing to rest the attacking medio. Anas Edathodika is also likely to sit out. Bikramjit (Jr.) is likely to replace him in the central defence.
According to Sanjay Sen, “Katsumi wants to play but if you ask me personally, I want to rest him keeping him fit for the important matches coming up in I League.”
On being asked about the opponents, the gaffer said, “I have gathered information about their team from my deputy (Shankarlal). Their Nigerian striker (Godfrey West Omodu) is good. We will not take them casually but at the same time go for the kill.”
Club Valencia Coach Ahmed Mustaffa is confident of putting up a good show. According to Mustaffa, “We believe we can put up a good show. What happened in Maldives is irrelevant. We are not concerned about going to the next round. For us winning is important.”
The Maldives side has two players from the National team who played against India in the SAFF Cup.
On being asked about Sony Norde, Mustaffa said, “I am aware about him (Norde). But I am not worried about our opponents. I am only concerned with my team.”
Meanwhile the Chinese Match commissioner for tomorrow’s match has instructed the host club, to allow the spectators to be seated only in bucket seats, which meant there will not be attendance for more than 3800 spectators.