I-League: Mohun Bagan, Aizawl FC look resolute before decider

Table-toppers Mohun Bagan and Aizawl FC will have an eye on the

I-League Trophy when they take on each other in a crucial deciding match here at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium tomorrow.

With both teams having claimed 33 points from 16 games, Mohun Bagan have a head-to-head advantage over Aizawl FC as the former secured a 3-2 win over the highlanders at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium in Kolkata.

For Aizawl FC to seal the title, a win by a two-goal margin or more is required for the match tomorrow while a defeat or a draw or even a win by a one-goal margin means their chances of emerging as the champions are considerably lessened, keeping the league wide open until the final day, April 30 when Aizawl FC will lock their horns with Shillong Lajong and Mohun Bagan will play host to Chennai City FC.

 

Both sides will try to make sure that the match tomorrow ends without denying them of the possibility of being title holders.

Speaking ahead of the match, Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen expressed, "The atmosphere and the passion of the people are amazing" and also he opined, "Aizawl FC have been playing extraordinary well in all their matches".

He also mentions, "The home side will be feeling more pressure as it is a must win situation for them but not for us." He however also admitted, "Anything can happen on the pitch tomorrow."

An iconic figure for the Mizos, Mohun Bagan forward Jeje Lalpekhlua also anticipated, "I am really excited about the match. It will be an exhilarating experience to play in front of passionate Mizo football fans. My family is also coming to watch, so this is a very special match for me."

Realising that he scoring a goal tomorrow would make the home fans very disappointed, he asserted his allegiance to his club, "I will play my best. I hope we win".

Aizawl FC forward Brandon Vanlalremdika also quipped, "We are not feeling any extra pressure. All the players are relaxed and looking forward to the match. This is a very important match. We will all play our best."

Aizawl FC coach Khalid Jamil, in his characteristic cool tone, also spoke ahead of the match, "We must play well. We have to finish the season as best as possible. All players are playing well."

He also expressed his gratitude towards his coaching staff and the fans, "They have been really supportive. It has been an incredible experience."

He also claims that his players "play from the heart but he needs 100% from them again tomorrow.