Aizawl, Sabyasachi Bagchi: Aizawl is gearing up to host the match that could possibly seal the fate of I-League 2017 tomorrow and Mohun Bagan will attempt to thwart Aizawl FC’s dream of clinching the Hero I-League title in their second season in the top flight of Indian football. But Mohun Bagan got an injury concern ahead of facing the highlanders, as their attacking spearhead Darryl Duffy picked up a groin injury during the training and had to sit out later part of the training session.
With both teams having claimed 33 points from 16 games, Mohun Bagan have a head-to-head advantage over Aizawl FC as the former secured a 3-2 win over the highlanders at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium in Kolkata.
For Aizawl FC to seal the title, a win by a two-goal margin or more is required for the match tomorrow while a defeat or a draw or even a win by a one-goal margin means their chances of emerging as the champions are considerably lessened, keeping the league wide open until the final day, April 30 when Aizawl FC will lock their horns with Shillong Lajong and Mohun Bagan will play host to Chennai City FC.
Both sides will try to make sure that the match tomorrow ends without denying them of the possibility of being title holders.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen expressed, “The atmosphere and the passion of the people are amazing” and also he opined, “Aizawl FC have been playing extraordinary well in all their matches”.
He also mentions, “The home side will be feeling more pressure as it is a must win situation for them but not for us.” He however also admitted, “Anything can happen on the pitch tomorrow.”
Mohun Bagan’s Haitian international Sony Norde told www.xtratime.in, “Not for draw Mohun Bagan will play to get full three points from this encounter. It’s not me, the entire team needs to respond to get a good result tomorrow,”.
An iconic figure for the Mizos, Mohun Bagan forward Jeje Lalpekhlua also anticipated, “I am really excited about the match. It will be an exhilarating experience to play in front of passionate Mizo football fans. My family is also coming to watch, so this is a very special match for me.”
Realising that he scoring a goal tomorrow would make the home fans very disappointed, he asserted his allegiance to his club, “I will play my best. I hope we win”.
Aizawl FC forward Brandon Vanlalremdika also quipped, “We are not feeling any extra pressure. All the players are relaxed and looking forward to the match. This is a very important match. We will all play our best.”
Aizawl FC coach Khalid Jamil, in his characteristic cool tone, also spoke ahead of the match, “We must play well. We have to finish the season as best as possible. All players are playing well.”
He also expressed his gratitude towards his coaching staff and the fans, “They have been really supportive. It has been an incredible experience.” He also claims that his players “play from the heart but he needs 100% from them again tomorrow.”
Mohun Bagan probable XI: Debjit ; Pritam, Edu, Anas, Raju, Sony, Souvik, Katsumi, Azharuddin, Jeje, Duffy/Balwant.