Second Division League: Uphill task awaits Mohammedan SC against Gangtok Himalayan FC

Mohammedan Sporting training at the club ground. Image Source: Mds
Mohammedan Sporting training at the club ground. Image Source: Mohammedan SC

Kolkata: After a faltering start to their Final Round campaign, Mohammedan Sporting Club would look to bounce back to winning ways when they host Gangtok Himalayan FC tomorrow in the ongoing I-League 2nd Division at Mohammedan Sporting Ground in Kolkata.

While Mohammedan SC has struggled to find form and only managed to garner a solitary point from 3 matches, Gangtok Himalyan FC are also enduring a disappointing campaign so far and have a mere 3 points from 4 matches.

The hosts, who played their last match against Dempo SC on April 7, come into the game on the back of an extended period of break after their match against Lonestar Kashmir FC last week has been postponed due to curfew imposed in North Kashmir.

However, Mohammedan SC made full use of the break to iron out flaws and looking to make a new start with a win over the Sikkim outfit.

Playing in front of home fans should be the morale booster for Mohammedan SC, but the likes of James Moga and Simbarashe Gate will have to pull up more than socks or else the Black Panthers could find themselves in an even bigger mess.

Going into the match the Santa Kumar led side will be depending heavily on former Atletico de Kolkata forward Nadong Bhutia to lead the attack.

Furthermore, the likes of Nima Tamang, Bijendra Rai and skipper Bhaichung Bhutia (Jr.) will also form an important part of the side.

For the record, Gangtok Himalayan FC holds an unbeaten record against Mohammedan SC in the initial round of the competition wherein the visitors won once and drew the other match.

On the team news front, Mohammedan SC has been boosted by the availability of a full strength squad, with all players fit and raring to go.