Despite a spirited Colombo FC performance it was the away team who had the last laugh, as Mohun Bagan AC managed to sneak through with a 2-1 victory in the 1st leg of the AFC Cup qualifier played at the Race Course International Stadium.
During the post-match press conference both teams Head Coaches expressed their views on an enthralling game of football as Sri Lanka’s debut appearance in the AFC Cup turned out to be a historic performance despite the narrow defeat.
Spirited Colombo FC push Mohun Bagan to the edge
Indian giants Mohun Bagan AC were made to huff and puff by Colombo FC for a 2-1 win in the 1 st leg of the AFC Cup qualifier played at the Race Course International Stadium.
Speaking first the coach of Mohun Bagan AC Sanjoy Sen was happy his side pulled of the win.
“The team (Colombo FC) is new, the ground is new, and the weather you have to adjust within a day. The important thing is that we have the win. An away victory is always important. But we struggled a lot maybe due to the humidity. The opponents played really well and their set plays were excellent and the goal they scored was very good.”
“We had a pep talk at half time to keep calm and the credit goes to the boys,” he added while Prabir Das too shared the same sentiments as his Head Coach.
Having asked about the tactical assessments made before and during the game, “Initially I played a 5 man midfield because like I said yesterday (at the pre-match press conference) Colombo FC are an unknown entity and we had to play with them to assess the situation and then certain tactical changes were made.”
“Also within 19 days we have to play 6 matches so we had to give rest to the players.”
Further responding to the questions regarding Jeje Lalpekhula not starting, “It was a tactical change and Kean Lewis played well up until the point he was injured so the substitution was forced upon. I had the luxury of having the options of Balwant (Singh) on the bench as well.”
After an exciting end to end tussle Sanjoy Sen was asked of what he thought of Colombo FC as a whole and he was very impressed on how they played;
“A new team and this is the first experience for them (Colombo FC) and more pressure for them when you come to the AFC level than the local level. After conceding the goal they scored, they showed the guts and they could have added another one or two.”
“The hospitality shown by Colombo FC has been outstanding. It is a great experience for the boys and myself because this is the first time I am visiting Sri Lanka and the people were very nice. When they go they will feel not at away, they will be feeling at home when Sri Lanka visits Kolkata,” he finally added on the great hospitality his team had received.
Speaking to the media the Coach of Colombo FC Mohomed Roomy;
“Both sides played good football. I tried to take the home advantage but unfortunately it didn’t work out. There were some silly mistakes and we have to correct them and focus on the 2nd leg.
Speaking to the media the scorer for Colombo FC Afis Olayemi, “I feel good as it has been awhile since I scored a goal like that. Unfortunately we lost the game and disappointed to lose because we put on a lot of hard work.”
“There is nothing to fear and we going to India to win and qualify,” a determined Afis added.
“I was suffering from lack of form but the coaches tried a lot for me to step up my game during practices. Let me believe I can do it. I would complement my coach because if not for them I wouldn’t have done this,” a truly grateful Afis added having ended his goal drought.
“I have a plan” says Roomy
This is the first occasion that any club from Sri Lanka has qualified to compete at this level. The first leg of the game will be played…
Speaking about his tactics for the game Roomy admitted that his plan had worked though they lost.
“I expected Jeje to start and had assigned a man to mark him. However he didn’t start the match but even when he came in we managed to contain him. They usually play a touch game when they’re just in and around the penalty area so we countered that with a compact midfield then they switched to the wings.”
“I need to come up with a plan for the 2nd leg as it is a must win situation. We need to focus more on attacks now,” he finally mentioned.
