I-League 2017-18: Determined East Bengal looking for a win at any cost against Gokulam

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East Bengal to face Gokulam Kerala FC in a must win game tomorrow. Image Source: East Bengal Samachar

XtraTime Desk: An intriguing battle on cards and a massively important game for East Bengal as th3 Red and Gold brigade is looking determined to cash in the gained lifeline they got after the crucial victory against Minerva on Tuesday. Another victory against Gokulam on Saturday can only strengthen their chances of winning the I-League title which they have never won in their history.

“Tomorrow’s (Saturday) match is an important match for us. It is a vital match and we have to play positively and look to get a positive result,” said Jamil.

Speaking about the championship, he said, “We are just thinking about tomorrow’s match. We will be playing against a good team. We cannot take things lightly. We have to be strong both defensively and attacking wise.”

The East Bengal confirmed that his team does not have any injury concerns and all the players are fit to play. “We don’t have any injuries. Everyone is fit to play.”

Local boys Joby Justin and Ubaid CK will be donning the East Bengal jersey against Gokulam on Saturday. Both the players have been impressive in their debut season for the Kolkata giants and coach Khalid Jamil praised them. He said, “We have local players like Joby Justin and Ubaid CK in our side. They are doing a good job. They are playing good.”

I-League new entrants Gokulam Kerala’s season has been below par so far. They are in the ninth position on the league table with 13 points from as many matches. But a famous win against Mohun Bagan last Sunday has improved the mood in Bino George’s camp.

Strikers Mahmood Al Ajmi and Henry Kisekka, who joined the side in January, scored a goal each against Mohun Bagan. Speaking on Al Ajmi’s influence on the side, coach Bino George said, “Alajmi was a replacement to Francis Ambane and he made the right impact on the team.”

The club are in talks with a new foreign coach who is expected to replace George as the head coach after the ongoing season. Speaking about the speculations, George said, “I cannot comment anything regarding the same, if anything solid comes up we will let everyone know”

On the match, he said, “Winning this match is important for East Bengal, and in the same way it is important for us also to win this particular match.”