Durand Cup 2022, Kolkata Derby: ATK Mohun Bagan, Emami East Bengal seek first win

By
Jayujyoti Mullick
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Kolkata: The Kolkata derby is finally happening in the city of joy after more than 2 years. Arch-rivals ATK Mohun Bagan will face off Emami East Bengal at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK).

So far, Mohun Bagan have lost their first to Rajasthan United FC and drew their second with Mumbai City. On the other hand, East Bengal have played out goalless draws against the Indian Navy and Rajasthan respectively.

However, East Bengal look to set their derby record with straight win against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan. The last clash at Salt Lake was in the I-League on January 19, 2020. This was just before the COVID-19 outbreak. East Bengal have suffered five back-to-back reversals from ISL and I-League as they are yet to win a derby since their 2-0 win in the I-League on January 27, 2019.

The passion for football is unmatchable in Kolkata, being it derby, all tickets were sold out “within an hour” for the 67,000-capacity Saltlake Stadium.

The concern for East Bengal coach Stephen Constantine is worried of the fact that despite creating quite a few gilt-edged opportunities, the forwards have failed to score.

“We are not under pressure… We have created opportunities and it’s just a matter of converting them. We just had one preparatory match before the Durand. The team is in a rebuilding mode,” he added. East Bengal’s investors Emami Group, on the other hand, made an appeal to their fans to stand by the team irrespective of the results .”We understand that football is unpredictable and therein lies the magic of the game.

However, Mohun Bagan have a quality possession, and attacks from Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan and Hougo Boumos who have created plenty of chances in every game. Mohun Bagan coach Juan Ferrando’s main is of the fact that they are not been able to get the results pushed their way.

It’s a matter of pride for me to be part of the derby in front of a packed crowd at the Saltlake Stadium,” Ferrando said on the eve of the match. “I’m well aware of the passion attached to the derby so I’m taking it as a challenge to win the derby.”I’m never in favour of the past statistics, and how many we have won. It would have no impact on tomorrow’s outcome. Our aim is to get three points and I’m hopeful that we will come out with flying colours tomorrow.” He further said the team was not under any pressure after struggling to post a win from two matches.

Kick-off: ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) v Emami East Bengal (EEB)@ 6.00 pm.

Where to watch

Live Telecast: Sports18 1 SD & HD, and Sports18 Khel

Live Stream: VOOT

Army Red against TRAU FC

Local side TRAU FC will probably try to take the game against Army Red but on evidence so far the Reds looks more compact and organized unit. They were close to pull off a win against Chennayin FC in their first game and were held by other local favourite Neroca FC to a goalless draw.

TRAU’s best period in the tournament came in the opening 45 minutes of the Imphal derby against their arch-rivals Neroca.

The Reds will have the added incentive of staying in the knockout hunt if they win and TRAU would have to counter all those elements to gift a win to their adoring fans.

Kick-off: Army Red FT v TRAU FC @ 3.00 pm.

Where to watch

Live Telecast: Sports18 1 SD & HD, and Sports18 Khel

Live Stream: VOOT

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