Kolkata : Two super solid football India of the recent years, Bengaluru FC (BFC) and Mumbai City FC (MCFC) clash in the 131st Durand Cup final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata. .
Mumbai City FC, the winners of the Indian Super League (ISL) and League Winners Shield in the 2020-21 season, looks solid through their journey in the finals. With an addition of key players like Senegalese defender Mourtada Fall from the quarter finals, they look more rounded. With seven goals, Lallianzuala Chhangte is the highest scorer till now and is well assited by Greg Stewart who has the authority in the midfield.
Mumbai City FC gaffer Des Buckingham, said at the pre-match press conference, “We are here to win the Durand Cup and start the ISL season with more confidence. I am happy with my team till now. I am expecting an exciting match. BFC is a good team they have good players. My message to the team for tomorrow will be enjoy the game.”
Bengaluru FC were the ISL 2018-19 champions, and have six other top domestic titles to their name. So it’s am obvious that they will be vying for their seventh. Indian skipper, Sunil Chhetri have presented the most successful striking force of the tournament. Along with Chhetri, Roy Krishna and Siva Sakthi, are also in goal-scoring form. The defense is well settled with the the experience of regular Indian international Sandesh Jhingan, Gurpreet Sandhu have held the post in good stead.
Simon Grayson, Bengaluru FC’s English coach was also respectful of his Sunday opponents and said at the pre-match presser, “Look I think we have to play as a team tomorrow. Mumbai has some very good players. Greg Stewart and others. So, we know what they can do. They play a lot of passes. We have to be good tomorrow to stop the opposition. I think it’s important to win the final and it doesn’t matter in what style we play. We have to be careful tomorrow and make sure we play better. We don’t have any injuries. Our target will be to win the trophy without any injuries. We are in the final and we will make sure that we win the trophy because we have the mentality to win.”
Where to watch :
Live Telecast – Sports18 1 SD & HD, and Sports18 Khel
Live Stream – VOOT
Kick-off:
Bengaluru FC v Mumbai City FC @ 6.00 pm (Sep 18, 2022)
