Mohun Bagan take on Churchill Brothers tomorrow in I-league

Kolkata, Feb 25 (PTI) Mohun Bagan face an uphill task asthey take on Churchill Brothers of Goa in their 16th roundmatch of the I-League at Yuba Bharati Krirangan here tomorrow.

While Churchill Brothers are now placed third in theleague table behind leaders Salgaocar and East Bengal -- on 29points from 15 matches, Mohun Bagan are in the sixth positionwith 21 points from 15 outings.

Six of Bagan regulars including Mohan Raj, SurkumarSingh, Anwar, Manish Mathani and star striker Jose Barreto arein the injury list and are not likely to play tomorrow. To addto their woes, their captain and striker Ishfaq Ahmed wouldnot be able to take the field tomorrow due to double booking.

Veteran Bagan defender and international Dipak Mondalsounded a little desperate when he said, "There is no usethinking who would be able to play tomorrow. We have to makedo with whatever strength we have."

Bagan coach Subhas Bhowmick also admitted that "Churchillare the best team in this year''s I-league. They are a wellbalanced team with a blend of youth as well as experiencedplayers. We have nothing to lose. We will play our game andwould be happy with whatever point we get from this match."

In their first leg match, Bagan had lost to Churchill0�2.

Churchill coach Vincent Subramanium, however, rated MohunBagan as a very good side in the I-League.

Commenting on their opponents, Subramanium said, "MohunBagan may not get have six have their regulars, but they arealways a strong contender specially with the home advantage.

Besides they have very good striker in Chidi who can changethe complexion of the match any time."

Chidi would be kept under tight leash tomorrow, theChurchill coach hinted.

Churchill also have some injury problems and theirregular custodian Arindam Bhattacharjee will not play tomorrowbecause of injury. Their main striker Odafa Okolie is also adoubtful starter. Though he underwent practice session today,neither Odafa nor his coach could confirm whether he (Odafa)would play tomorrow.

Odafa said, "I have injury. I can''t say right now whetherI would be able to play tomorrow."

Even if Odafa does not play tomorrow, the visitors willhave an edge as their other striker from New Zealand KayneVincent is in a very good form and has scored regularly intheir last few matches.