In a David v Goliath encounter Colombo FC will take on Mohun Bagan AC in the 1st leg of the 2017 AFC Cup qualifier on the 31st of January at the Race Course International Stadium.
Photos: Colombo FC v Mohun Bagan AC |AFC Cup Qualifier | Press Confrence
Photos of the Colombo FC v Mohun Bagan AC – AFC Cup Qualifier 2017 Press Confrence
Mohun Bagan is far more superior to Colombo FC in terms of history, experience and championships. Mohun Bagan is India’s and one of the world’s oldest clubs having being established in 1889 while Colombo FC was born a mere 8 years ago in 2008.
Mohun Bagan has been a stalwart in Indian club football for decades winning numerous titles cementing themselves among the elite in the nation while Colombo FC has two in just their 5 years in the top division.
Colombo FC primed for Mohun Bagan
Colombo FC have risen rapidly through the ranks of the Sri Lankan football scene, emerging champions in the 2014-15 FA Cup and following that success up with a Dialog Champions League trophy in 2015.
However Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen is not the man to take any team lightly.
“We won’t underestimate anyone, Bengaluru FC was formed only 4 years back and they have already won 2 i-league titles and 1 Federation Cup, so we know that it’s not wise to underestimate anyone.” He added in the pre-match Press Conference.
“Yes, our club is only 8 years old compared to their 100 year old history. However my players are way more experienced than that (clubs age) and that’s what I’m counting on,” a confident Colombo FC coach Mohamed Roomy added.
In terms of form both sides are at their peak leading the respective league tables. Reigning champions Colombo FC is sitting pretty on top of the 2016 Dialog Champions League Super 8 points table having won a 2-1 thriller against another title favourite Army SC. Mohun Bagan is undefeated in 5 i-League matches with their last match being a goalless draw.
Rampant Mohun Bagan looking for early dominance
Mohun Bagan AC is India’s oldest football club, formed way back 1889 as Mohun Bagan Sporting Club. They are one of India’s most successful teams…
“Currently we’re playing in the I-League performing well and we’ve been practicing and preparing well. We have 4 injury casualties in which 2 players have been left behind in India, also we have about 7 to 8 national players in squad,” Sanjoy Sen added.
Injury casualties include Mohun Bagan’s Haiti born star Sony Norde and Brazil’s Eduardo Ferreira.
“We have a squad of 30 players and we’re not dependent on 2 or 3 players. We had to adjust to conditions within 48 hours and I would say Kolkata is a bit cooler than Colombo which is humid maybe with the occasional rain it will be ideal playing conditions. The pitch condition is good, probably the grass on the outfield is different but it’s still good to play on.” Sen mentioned.
Colombo FC too had a few injury worries leading upto the big game but it seems like apart from skipper Rawme Mohideen all have recovered.
“Our players are fully fit and we’re playing at home so we’re confident about tomorrow’s match. Rawme is the only player who is 50/50 at the moment. Rifnaz along with all the other injury prone players are fit to play tomorrow,” a slightly relieved Roomy added.
Colombo FC has made some notable acquisitions to their squad strengthening all departments on the field. With a blend of both youth and experience, coach Mohomed Roomy has made his intentions clear as he expects composure as well as display of outstanding skill as they face a stiff challenge in the shape of Mohun Bagan AC.
Colombo FC strengthens squad for AFC Cup qualifiers
Colombo FC has added eight new players to their squad for the upcoming AFC Cup Preliminary Qualifiers which starts on the 31st of January against Mohun Bagan AC.
“The new players have settled down to my system well, as you can understand it’s a mix of both youth and experience and the new players specially have adapted well,” Roomy elaborated on his new players.
Speaking to the media regarding their preparations, Head Coach Sanjoy Sen had this to say;
“We don’t have a specific change in formation for this match; we’ll be playing a customary 4-4-2 formation with room for change as we’re playing against an unknown entity in Colombo FC hence we’re concentrating on playing a possession based game.”
The Mohun Bagan custodian Shilton Paul expressing his views, “As our coach mentioned, we don’t know much about Colombo FC. We have prepared well, the accommodation and hospitality is very good”.
“We’ve proved that our system is effective in the local competition and we won so we trust in that ability of ours,” a confident Roomy mentioned.
“I have a plan and we’ll see after the match if the plan has worked or not,” Roomy finally quipped.
LIVE Colombo FC v Mohun Bagan AC | AFC Cup | 31st Jan
The match will be LIVE streamed on ThePapare.com on the 31st of January from 3.10pm onwards.
