CFL 2017: This CFL win seemed tougher for Khalid Jamil compare to the I-League title

Siliguri derby Raj 44
East Bengal coach Khalid Jamil with Mohammed Rafique and Gurwinder Singh Phagura at Siliguri last night. Image Source: XtraTime

Sabyasachi Bagchi, Kolkata: Kolkata giant East Bengal returns to the City of Joy from Siliguri after clinching the Calcutta Football League title for a record eighth consecutive time. The supporters were present at the Kolkata Airport to welcome the players after their feat. The players looked very happy after winning the league, as they played out a 2-2 draw with their arch rivals Mohun Bagan to clinch the title on goal aggregate.

East Bengal’s star midfielder Mohammed Rafique waved his jersey No.8 after winning the CFL last night in Siliguri. Before leading the city, Rafique said,” My jersey number is 8 and I am very happy that my team has won the league for a record eighth consecutive time. This win will always be very special for me.”

The Red and Gold Brigade should be thankful to its star midfielder Mahmoud Al Amna. He was the man to score the equalizer for his side which helped them to win the title. Amna looked very happy that he has contributed for his side.” I want to dedicate that goal to the supporters. The senior and junior combination was the key for our success. According to me this league win for East Bengal is much more important than winning the I-League for Aizawl FC last season.”

According to Amna the Kolkata derby is the toughest derby he has ever played.” I have played many derbies. When I was in Syria I played for Al-Ittihad Aleppo in a derby. More than 70,000 spectators came to watch the game, but here the craze of the derby is very different,” said Amna.

When Amna was going to take the crucial penalty against Mohun Bagan, East Bengal coach Khalid Jamil turned his back in tension. Though Amna was very confident about the goal.” I knew that I could easily score the goal and I did that too last night”

The star Syrian midfielder now wants to give the I-League to East Bengal.

East Bengal coach Khalid Jamil won the I-League for Aizawl FC last season. Now he has given the Calcutta Football League to East Bengal. On being asked which League was more tougher to win, the Red & Gold gaffer said,” I think this win is more important as in Aizawl nobody thought that we could win the I-League but in Kolkata there was an added pressure on me because everybody thought we would win the league with an ease. Now We will concentrate on the I-League.”

East Bengal’s star forward from Trinidad and Tobago looked happier than his other teammates. The critics have said many negative things regarding him. Though Plaza is not bothered about what that.” I don’t want to say anything on that matter. This is my first trophy for East Bengal and I want to give more trophies to my club,” concluded Plaza.