The match against Southern Samity is very crucial for the Black Panthers as they are six points behind the leaders East Bengal Club and one behind second placed Mohun Bagan, in third with 12 points. Thus a win on the morrow would take them into second place making the three way race at the top tighter.
Mohammedan Sporting, who played their last game on August 20 against Aryan Club, are coming into game on the back of three back-to-back wins. However the task at hand won’t be easy for the Black Panthers as gaffer Mridul Banerjee has admitted that Southern Samity could prove to be the toughest opponent that his team have faced so far in the competition.
“We did win three games back-to-back but whatever we have done in the past will count for very little when we play our next game. Each game is a new challenge and needs different approach,” coach Banerjee said ahead of the clash.
Facing Southern Samity, Mohammedan Sporting will be boosted by the arrival of attacking French medio Alexandre Tabillon along with whom experienced striker Dipendu Biswas will also be available for selection.
On the other hand, Southern Samity’s campaign has been a roller coaster ride so far. The Subrata Bhattacharya Jr. coached side started with a goalless draw against Bhowanipore FC, then they went on to beat United SC 2-0 before going down 0-1 to Mohun Bagan. However, they bounced back to the winning ways against Army XI but again suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat from East Bengal in their last game.
Going into the game, Southern Samity will rely on their Liberian striker Taurus Manneh and experienced Ashim Biswas for goals upfront while the likes of Antoni Soren, Deepak Mondal, Basanta Singh, Gautam Kujur and Safar Sardar will add depth to the side.
“Southern Samity is one of the toughest teams in the league. They have a well-balanced side and it always gets difficult when we are stacked up against a set of proven players. But I have full faith in our young team and they have stood up whenever needed. We will try our best for a positive result tomorrow,” coach Banerjee added.
Interestingly the current Southern Samity coach was in charge of Mohammedan Sporting during the 2015/16 Second Division League few months back and Southern Samity have as many five players in their side who plied their trade for Mohammedan Sporting in the previous season.
For the record, Mohammedan Sporting have not won against Southern Samity in their previous two meetings of the CFL Premier Division, hence The Black Panthers hoping for it’s third time lucky for them.
The game at the Barasat Stadium kicks off at 5.30pm on Wednesday and it will be televised live on ETV News Bangla.