CALCUTTA (India): I-League leaders Mohun Bagan will hope to strengthen their lead at the top when they host Neroca FC at the Kalyani Municipality Stadium on Friday.
The Mariners will be looking to make it five wins in a row and could go as many as 12 points clear of currently second-placed Punjab, who were held to a 1-1 draw by East Bengal on Thursday.
“It wasn’t an easy game against Punjab. Both sides had chances but I believe we were more consistent. Now, we are looking forward to our next challenge against Neroca.
“We have a tough run of fixtures ahead but we will be approaching it one game at a time,” said Mohun Bagan coach Kibu Vicuna.
He weighed in on his team’s next opponents and added, “They (Neroca) are a good side. They have strengthened their squad in the winter. I believe they will be full of confidence.”
With everything functioning like a clockwork in the Bagan camp, their only concern at the moment would be the fitness of centre-half Daneil Cyrus.
Deep-lying midfielder Fran Gonzales has been playing at the back in his absence and has done well as a makeshift stopper. However, Vicuna would be hopeful of having Cyrus amongst his options again for this match.
“He (Cyrus) has trained with us. He is feeling better than last week but we will have to wait and see,” said the Spaniard.
Neroca were left disappointed in their last game against the Indian Arrows at home. The team in orange could only hold on for a goalless draw, failing to build on their emphatic 5-0 victory over rivals Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU).
They have a challenging run of fixtures ahead, with Gokulam Kerala, Real Kashmir and Punjab FC waiting for the Imphal-based in their next three games.
Neroca will be without the services of Mali centre-back Ousmane Diawara, who picked up his fourth yellow card of the season against the Arrows.
“Mohun Bagan are great going forward. We lost 0-3 last time but this time, we will be more focused and careful. Football is all about fighting for the result and we will do so tomorrow,” said NEROCA FC coach Gift Raikhan. (Source: AIFF)
