Brazilian midfielder Alex Silva’s debut performance against Mohun Bagan has infused hope in Mumbai FC ranks for Saturday’s I-League home match against Bengaluru FC.
Silva, who impressed with poise on the ball and lent punch to the attack, will be watched with interest by the rival team seeking to break a sequence of draws with a display worthy of its reputation.
MFC, ninth in the 10-team league table at the halfway mark, needs another effective team performance to match BFC, boosted by the return of defender Juan Gonzalez.
MFC, relieved to grab a point against Bagan after six straight losses, has shown punch in the attack. Silva in a creative role, forward Thoi Singh’s pace on the right flank and fellow striker Farukh Choudhary’s positioning in the rival goalmouth has made coach Santosh Kashyap happy and he is looking forward to more effort. Custodian Laxmikant Kattimani is a capable hand.
“We showed against Bagan what we are really capable of. The understanding between foreigners and experienced Indians is a positive sign. Alex was outstanding in an attacking role, doing what we expected from a Brazilian, ” said Kashyap. “We have seen in this league that East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are at a level above. All the other teams including Bengaluru, face difficulty.”
BFC coach Alberto Roca said: “We back the kind of quality we have and will need to show it against Mumbai.” Goals from striker C.K. Vineeth will help the visitor.
“Like us, Mumbai too is chasing a win and that makes them dangerous. They have foreigners who look experienced and that changes a lot from the last time we played them.”
Vineeth’s hat-trick and understanding with Harmanjot Khabra, Udanta Singh had helped BFC maul MFC 3-0 in a home tie. Kashyap’s squad at the Cooperage would be a tough nut to crack.
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