I-League: Aizawl challenge for Mohun Bagan

Aizawl FC will want to bounce back to keep its hopes of retaining the I-League title when it lock horns with Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan on Thursday.

Aizawl players will be hoping to bounce back.

Aizawl FC will want to bounce back to keep its hopes of retaining the I-League title when it lock horns with Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan on Thursday.

Aizawl suffered its third defeat of the season at the hands of the league debutant Neroca FC and will look forward to topple the Green and Maroons who overwhelmed arch-rivals recently, thanks to the brace from Dipanda Dicka. The Kolkata outfit will be brimming with confidence after its commanding performance to outwit the cross-city rival.

Speaking to reporters at the eve of the match, Mohun Bagan head coach Sankar Lal Chakraborty said, “Winning the derby is always a good motivation but playing at Aizawl is always hard. Last season we lost at Aizawl and our title hope faded away. Our aim is to win tomorrow and to stay in championship contention.”

Mohun Bagan always eyes for the title but Chakraborty is aware of their current situation and is cautious in predicting the end-result of the league.

“Whatever we are discussing in the dressing room we don't focus on the other team. Kingfisher East Bengal was our aim and now Aizawl is our aim. We are going step by step and every game is a big match now,” he said.

Mohun Bagan’s Nigerian defender Kingsley Obumneme was the rock in defence in Aizawl’s title-winning season. After plying his trade for the Kolkata side Kingsley stated, “Last season is gone and in football, we carry on. I'll try to enjoy the match as best as I can.”

Aizawl FC will need nothing but all three points against Mohun Bagan and head coach Paulo Menezes is confident that his team will finish off the job as required.

The match is scheduled to kick-off at 2pm and will be aired live on Star Sports 2/2 HD and streamed live on Hotstar and Jio TV.