Preview: Mohun Bagan set to face Real Kashmir in Semis of the Durand Cup

by Rounak Majumdar August 21, 2019

The 16-times title holders, Mohun Bagan will lock horns against the newly formed team from the northern valleys, Real Kashmir. There’s no doubt we’re inching closer to an exhilarating semi-final encounter on 21st August at the VYBK Stadium, Kolkata.

TEAM NEWS:

Mohun Bagan AC: The Mariners emerged victorious in all their group stage fixtures. They faced the likes of Mohammedan SC, ATK, and Indian Navy. Mohun Bagan thumped all their counterparts and netted 5 times in 3 outings. They conceded a solitary goal against the ISL Franchise, ATK. Under the tutelage of the Spaniard, Kibu Vicuna, Mohun Bagan has been very consistent in the Durand Cup. However, they have struggled to maintain the same at the Calcutta Football League. It is to be seen whether the players are fit enough to fight for the ultimate glory scheduled on 24th this month.

ROSTER: 

MANAGER: Kibu Vicuna

PROBABLE XI:

1. Debjit Majumdar (GK) 
2. Francisco Javier Munoz (DF) 
3. Ashutosh Mehta (DF)
4. Gurjinder Kumar (DF) 
5. Arijit Bagui (DF) 
6. Dhanachandra Singh (MF) (C)
7. Alexander Jesuraj Romario (MF) 
8. Nongdamba Naorem (MF) 
9. SK Faiaz (MF) 
10. Joseba Beitia (MF)  
11. Salva Chamorro (FW) 

KEY PLAYER:

• Salva Perez Martinez – More renowned as Salva Chamorro, No. 9, Forward. The Spanish forward played a pivotal role in Bagan’s qualification. The forward has scored 2 goals in his opening game against Mohammedan SC. He is lethal from set-pieces and is a positive striker. 
• Joseba Beitia – No. 10, Midfielder. The Spanish midfielder is a very important addition to the Mohun Bagan outfit. Beitia scored one goal against ATK and has an assist to his name. Beitia is a leader who has maintained the smooth functioning of the midfield operations for Mohun Bagan.   

REAL KASHMIR FC: The recently promoted I-League side who had a dream start to their campaign last season have come a long way and are now facing the Calcutta giants on the Durand Cup knockout stage. So far, Real Kashmir played really well keeping in mind the lack of practice they had. They were up against the current I-League winners Chennai City FC ‘B’ side,  former Durand Cup winners, Army Green, and the current Super Cup winners, FC Goa reserves team on their group stage fixtures. They scored 5 goals and conceded none in their group stage games. Overall, the team looks fit and are positive to clinch a victory. We await to witness if the unpredictable ‘Snow Leopards’ have any possession to showcase.

ROSTER:

MANAGER: David Robertson

PROBABLE XI: 

1. Phurba Tempa Lachenpa (GK) 
2. Farhan Ganie (DF) 
3. Muhammad Hammad (DF)
4. Aaron Katebe (DF) 
5. Loveday Okechukwu Enyinnaya (DF) (C) 
6. Nagen Tamang (MF)
7. Bazie Armand (MF)
8. Danish Farooque (MF) 
9. Bryan Mascarenhas (MF) 
10. Ritwik Kumar Das (FW) 
11. Singam Subhash Singh (FW)

KEY PLAYER: 

•  Danish Farooque – No. 10, Forward. Danish Farooque played a crucial role in their   Durand opener against the current I-League champions, Chennai City. He scored the solitary goal of the match at the 90th minute. He has been impressive in his performance throughout the group stages for Real Kashmir. 
• Chesterpoul Lyngdoh – No. 16, Midfielder. The 21-year-old Meghalayan has been delightful in his Durand Cup campaign. He scored 2 goals against Army Greens during their second group stage match. He is very important to lead from the midfield and create the goal-scoring opportunities for Real Kashmir FC. 

MATCH DETAILS: 

DATE: 21st August, Wednesday

TIME: 7:30 PM

VENUE: VYBK Stadium, Kolkata

BROADCAST: Star Sports 3 & Hotstar

AUTHOR’S TAKE: It is going to be a breath-taking encounter. Both the teams have the strong attacking force and robust midfield. However, Mohun Bagan will have an edge over Real Kashmir as they are playing on their home ground. It will act as their 12th man. Also, the weather conditions are quite different in the valley and in Kolkata. So if these factors are taken into consideration, Mohun Bagan might have the last laugh.

Prediction: Mohun Bagan 1-0 Real Kashmir FC

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