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Saturday, December 22, 2007

9 goals feast ends in Bagan's favour!

Bagan met Salgaocar sports club Goa today and the match witnessed an avalanche of goals. 4 goals were scored by Salgaocar while the remaining 5 were put in by Bagan.
The match had barely started off when Barreto after a nice movement involving Bobo, Bhaichung and Baretto himself, took a crack at goal but Bhaichung placed the rebound of the goalie.
Bagan kept up the pressure, but soon enough Salgaocar took control and from a long ball sent in for Ambani, Sangram misjudging the flight left his goal and Ambani found a free net to make the score 1-1.
Soon enough, from another such attacks, Felix was brought down by Rauf and was booked resulting a penalty against Bagan. Felix converted and score line was 1-2 in Salgaocar's favour.
Lalkamal who had been fielded today from the beginning was busy mispassing the ball around rather than playing serious football. The coach substituted him for Lalampuia.
The substitution turned to be a good one, when Lalam of his first touch, sent in the ball from the left straight across the goal and an advancing Barreto placed it in. score now 2-2.
Within minutes, again, Barreto played a long ball toLalam in the left and a cross from the young gun was met meticulously by Barreto's head sending in the 3rd goal for Bagan.
Just when the half was about to end, Lalampuia played a wall with Bhaichung and let the chance begging as he hit the goalie square on and sending the ball off for a corner kick. However the 4th goal came in from that same corner as Dharamjit sent it in and Bobo directing it towards the second post. Bagan go into the half, 4-2.
Within minutes of the 2nd half, Felix put one in the Bagan net from a free kick from the left. Sangram was in faulty position and again misjudged the flight. Score now 4-3.
Tough competition ensued and again Salgaocar equalised through Felix who completed his hat trick as he was left unmarked in the box meeting a cross sent in, he side volleyed it. A Gaping defense, frequent defensive errors and a thoroughly incompetent keeper to add on to that. Bagan surely conceding more that they are scoring.
The match continued and Venkatesh was replaced by James. Again the replacement paying off for Periera as from a 30 yard long free kick, James scored a world class goal to give Bagan the lead and the winning goal.
Bagan now have 8 points from 7 matches.
Bagan will now meet there arch rivals East Bengal in the next match.
Team: Sangram, Habibur, Odafe, Manju, Rauf, Venkatesh(James), Bobo(Siddiqui), Lalkamal(Lalampuia), Dharamjit, Baichung, Barreto

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Bagan held after going twice in front!

Bagan pulled of a better performance against Churchill Brothers in their round 6 match in the ongoing ONGC I League but could not earn the deserved 3 points. Churchill has been a force to reckon with in this League so far with their ace striker Odafa, who scored a hat trick against East Bengal last just two days ago. Bagan with their suspicious defense had a tough job in their hands holding Odafe from putting holes in their net as before the match Odafa, the Churchill skipper had vowed to score two hat tricks against the two Kolkata clubs.
With Bagan's luck favouring the opponents in every match with balls hitting the post, Bagan went out against all odds.
This was however the acid test for the Bagan coach Perriera who was given a silent ultimatum. There were a few changes in the Bagan team, Vekatesh came in and Lalkamal started from the beginning and Douglas to much relief was replaced by Peter Odafe.
Bagan defence did quite well in the first half to contain the Churchill infiltrations towards the Bagan goal. Bagan played a defensive half.
In the second half however, Bagan drew first blood through Dharamjit nudged in a fumbled ball from the Churchill goalie. 47th minute, Bagan 1-0 up.
Soon enough, the Bagan side-back Mohunraj conceded the second yellow card of the match and was sent out reducing a lean and undependable Bagan defense one man short.
Churchill put up the tempo and equalised i through Odafa in the 67th minute.
Barely a minute had passed after this equaliser and Barreto sets up Bhaichung who making no mistake put Bagan in front for the second time.
As sheer bad luck may it seem or a bad defence, Bagan conceded the second goal and it was all to play for in the 71st minute.
After this what followed was a long wait for the long whistle and though both the teams tried their best, Bagan with 10 men on pitch clearly did not have the upper hand.
However, the match ended 2-2 and Bagan shared their points with Churchill.
Team:Sangram, Habibur[Ayan], Odafe, Manju, Mohanraj, Lalkamal, Bobo, Venkatesh[Siddique], Dharamjit[Rauf], Baichung, Barreto

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Lady luck dump Bagan!

One might say its sheer ill-luck for Bagan not to have won the match against Dempo as they did everything except scoring and came too close to scoring on 3 occasions but twice denied by the post.
After a few jittery performances in the first few matches, Bagan today seemed like a team and was playing with much determination. But the problem persisted, the Defence. Everyday a new set of defenders...well almost.
Manju was defending along with Siddique, with Shubhashish Roychowdhury and Mohunraj taking care of the flanks. Douglas was given the responsibility of a defensive midfielder and as usual he failed hideously. He kept scampering across the turf with a handful of wrong passes.
Bhaichung was upfront with Barreto and Dharamjit, Bobo, James supplying them with the balls.
Mohunraj also swept in decent crosses from the left.
Bagan conceded an early goal through Nicholas Borges so Bagan put on the pressure and created a few chances but failed to convert. Even Dempo counter attacked but they were either misappropriated or foiled by the defense and an in form Shilton Paul.
Late in the second half, Bhaichung hit the upright off a Mohunraj throw in.
In the second again Bagan took the game to the other side and again Barreto hit the bar and the ball dropped on the goal line and an advancing Bhaichung failed to put it in.
Dempo had their share of missed opportunities and late in the game, Bhaichung failed ti slot in a lovely cross sent in by Lalam. Bhaichung only had the goalie to beat.
Bagan are now on 4 points from 5 matches.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

AIFF turns down Bagan demand!

Going strictly by the rule book, Mohun Bagan are not entitled to receive any compensation for their injured defender Deepak Mondal, a senior All India Football Federation (AIFF) official said on Thursday. The AIFF president, Priya Ranjan Das Munshi, however, will soon take a decision in this case, the official informed. Mondal, a senior pro in the Indian circuit, suffered a knee injury during India’s successful Nehru Cup campaign in September and is yet to recover. Mohun Bagan, whose defence has been weakened considerably by the absence of Mondal, have recently shot off a letter to AIFF demanding salary reimbursement of the injured defender. “We have already paid Mondal Rs 10 lakh,” club secretary Anjan Mitra said. “Because of the injury, the player is yet to attend a practice session, leave alone playing a match for the club.” “Since Mondal suffered the injury while playing for India, the AIFF should reimburse his salary,” Mitra said. When asked, an AIFF official pointed out that no such salary reimbursement rule existed under Fifa regulations. “The federation has paid the entire medical expenses of the footballer,” the official said. “The Fifa regulations have no provision for anything else.” “A policy of salary reimbursement might open the Pandora’s box all over the world,” the official said. “In such a scenario, rich and powerful clubs all over the world might start demanding compensation from smaller nations.” “Imagine what will happen if Didier Drogba gets injured while playing for Ivory Coast and Chelsea makes an exorbitant monetary demand for loss of their key player. Such demands cannot be met,” the official added. The AIFF is also upset with the fact that injured players do not always receive right treatment once they go back to their respective clubs. Once the footballer gets back to his club, the club officials tend to ignore the medical advice sent by the national federation and start fresh treatment, the official complained. “In many cases, the injury of the player prolongs or gets aggravated and the federation gets the blame for it,” the official said.
Source: The Telegraph.

Bagan leave for Goa without Sanjeev!

Mohun Bagan leave for their Goa campaign with only 4 points from their 4 matches so far. They have not faired well in their home matches yet the coach is optimistic about the team's performance in Goa. Perriera confirmed that Bagan will try for earning 9 points from thier matches in Goa which will not be an easy task.
Moreover, Bagan will be missing the services of Sanjeev Maria in Goa after he was injured in the last match. Sanjeev may be replaced by Siddique in the defence.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Bhaichung's brace shoots down Air India!

Bagan today put up a reformed performance and earned three points over Air India. Air India would have been a tough match, Perriera knew that and so did his boys and so they did not take it easily. Bagan started off with Lalam and Bhaichung upfront and with Barreto and Bobo, Bagan's new foreigner playing from behind. Bobo played an impressive game and is sure a good signing judging from what he played and he along with Barreto kept the match in Bagan's favour. Bobo who is supposed to be an attacking midfielder, was more or less playing the role of a CM, with good snatching and ball control abilities and successfully kept the pressure off the defence, which was lacking in the past matches.
The defence today also seemed much in color with Sanjeev Maria marshaling defence with Manju and Mohanraj and James efficiently manning their respective flanks.
In the first half, Bagan created very few chances and one of them was scored by Bhaichung when Dharamjit put in a ball inside the box and dragging from the left to the right Bhaichung slotted in a pile driver.
In the second half, Bagan started off under pressure and Lalam was replaced with Lalkamal and Dharamjit by Ishfaq.
Barreto, even though injured played magnificently and ball distribution was simply exquisite but the finishing was just not there with Lalkamal spoiling more than a couple balls single handed.
Almost at the end of the second half, Barreto lofted a ball for Bhaichung who found himself confronted by a charging goalie. Bhaichung chipped the ball over the keeper then placed the ball inside the net.
This was a much comprehensive win and with the inclusion of Bobo the team has certainly taken a turn for the better.
Team: Shilton, Maria, Manju, James Singh, Mohanraj, Douglas, Dharamjit, Bobo, Barreto, Lalampuia, Bhaichung.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Barreto fights a lone battle!

It was a one-man-show from Bagan as they went in against Sporting clube de Goa in Kolkata. Paying a visit to Kalighat has not mended Bagan's ways as chances went begging and the defence looked off colour finding it hard to cope up with SCG attacks. Barreto, injured, put up a lone battle and drew first blood through a header from a centre put in by Douglas in the beginning of the second half. Bagan could not however hold on the lead as SCG pressurised the Bagan defence. Shilton came up with a stunner but soon enough yield to another shot.
The reason why Indian football is at the lowest rung of International football is evident because of fact that refereeing in India is of a lower grade. Bagan have been victim of such poor refereeing in the past and today was no exception. A series of erroneous decisions saw Bagan go down on her knees. Barreto scored scored a clean forward pass which was adjudged as offside, Isfaq Ahmed was fouled in the penalty box and the referee dashed out his yellow card for Isfaq for diving, a SCG defender handled the ball inside the box and escaped unpunished, a back pass from a defender was handled by the keeper which the keeper waived off as unintentional pass and not to mention the SCG players went unpunished for glaring time wasting through out the match.
Team: Shilton, Sanjeev, Siddique, Mohanraj, Habibur, Douglas, Lalkamal, Anit(Dharamjit), Barreto, Isfaq, Bhaichung.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Bagan to face Sporting Clube de Goa!

Mohun Bagan are in a tough situation in the ongoing ONGC I League after losing two of their opening matches and now they meet Sporting Clube de Goa. Bagan coach and players know that SCG will be no push overs and afer the quality of football they have showcased over the two matches, Bagan have to raise their game to even stand a chance to earn a point.
Bagan will go into the match with a 4-4-2 formation. Barreto, though he is not 100% fit will play for the team's cause and help Bhaichung upfront.
Another foreigner, named Bobo arrived today in Bagan. He is an attacking midfielder from Nigeria. Though no final decision has yet been taken, sources say that many have liked his style.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Bagan seek devine intervention!

The club officials today along with every team member and the coach paid a visit to Kalighat to pray for a better performance in the rest of the I league. In the past two matches balls have stayed out of the opposition's goal where as balls have got entangled in the Bagan goal more often. Balls hitting the post, defence committing horrible mistakes have made President Sadhan Bose, aka Tutu Bose comment that " I pray to Maa Kali that she forgives of us of any wrong doing, if we have done unknowingly, and may she keep the players free of injury and may the Bagan score goals instead of hitting the post." He also joined, "Maa Kali has never denied Mohun Bagan, and I am sure She will not this time."
The whole team including Bhaichung, Habibur, Venkatesh, Manju every one went except for Barreto who was back at the club ground nursing his injury.
On another development, Bagan in search of the fourth foreigner has contacted a Vasco Da Gama midfielder who is to reach Kolkata shortly.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Viva kerala take sweet revenge!

Viva kerala today took sweet revenge of their ONGC defeat against Mohun Bagan by emerging victorious dumping Bagan 3-1 in Kolkata in their I League tie.
Bagan conceded an early goal owing to some sloppy defending by Bagan backs Douglas, Odafe.
Bagan failed to capitalise on a lot of chances as Lalampuia missed a couple.
The second goal was a howler out of a misunderstanding between Shilton and Odafe.
Ishfaq who came on as a substitute scored the only goal for Bagan in the 73rd minute.
Still lot of chances went Begging for Bagan as Balls hit the post, bar, keeper saving a few.
The third goal came in the 90th minute and Bagan had no way back from there.
Bagan have played 2 matches and lost both.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Bagan aim to set things right!

Tomorrow Mohun Bagan meet Viva Kerala at the Salt Lake Stadium and will give their best to set things right for them after they lost the first match against JCT. Mohun Bagan last met Viva Kerala this season at the Fed Cup where they won 3-1. But this Viva Kerlala side is completely different from the one of Fed Cup because now they have enrolled a few quality foreigners and are determined to put up a good show. Bagan have to put their best foot forward in the absence of their Brazilian ace Barreto who will miss the tie because of an injury.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Bagan stumble against JCT!

Mohun Bagan went down 2-1 in the I league opener against JCT today at Kolkata. The show put up by Bagan seemed like a sad story with a few disjointed episodes. Hope this match works as an eye opener for Perierra and his boys and they realise that I league is a totally different ball game and the standard of football is much higher than the local league. It was evident that Douglas and Odafe are the two blunders signings for Bagan this season. The duo some how carried on in the Kolkata league but their limited capabilty gave way to numerous loop holes in the Bagan defence and midfield.
Perriera moreover made a tacttical mistake by playing an injured Barreto in the 1st half and then bringing on Lalampuia in the second replacing Barreto when he is one goal down.
To add on to this, there were the howler misses from the Bagan striking force.
Lalam hit the side netting from a handshaking distance from the goal, and Venkatesh who was set up with a beautiful ball only could hit the keeper. Barreto also missed a chance in the 1st half.
And to add to the woes of Bagan the JCT goalie was at the top of his game saving at least 2 sure goals.
Bagan conceded a goal in the opening quarter of the match courtesy a wonderful free kick from the JCT man Eduardo. The defence and the midfield seemed to be floundering in darkness with miss passes and erratic play. The first half continued with both the teams getting chances to score.
In the second half also Bagan went all out after a few minutes and the flat footed Bagan defence found it hard to cope up with the young gun Chettri and the Brazilian Eduardo creating gapping immense amount of space for the duo to work, but fortunately for Bagan JCT could only put in one other goal in the entire 2nd half.
In the dying minutes, Odafe headed a strong header only to pull one back.
Team: Shilton, Basfore(Lalkamal), Rauf, Odafe, Maria, Douglas, Venkatesh, James, Dharamjit, Bhaichung, Barreto(Lalam)

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Bagan meet JCT tomorrow! Barreto to play!

Mohun Bagan tomorrow meet JCT Mills in their I league opener in the Salt Lake Stadium. Previously there was a doubt over Barreto's availability in the match due to his injury but today evening he affirmed that though he is not 100% fit, yet he thinks he is good enough to play. He thinks the match will not be easy and have to play real good to earn 3 points.
Even coach Carlos Periera voiced the same about tomorrow's match. " It is our home match so we should play good, but its not going to be easy..." that is what the coach had to say.
Bagan will have to put their best foot forwards against JCT.
The probable team: Shilton, Odafe, Maria, Siddique, Subhashish,Dharamjit, James, Douglas, Venkatesh, Bhaichung, Barreto.

To play or not to play!

Barreto is with a dilemma whether to play in the I league opener against JCT on Monday. He had injured himself during the last match of the CFL against Mohd. Sp. and the coach has left Barreto to decide whether he is fit enough to play or not. Manju, however, is also not available owing to an ankle injury that he has sustained during practice. Thus all in all Bagan might miss the services the Barreto who will rest himself for one match keeping mind the long season up ahead and Manju's possibility has already been ruled out.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Mohun Bagan in search of the fourth foreigner!

According to the new rules of the I league, the federation has sanctioned 4 foreigners for each team and thus both the giants of Kolkata has embarked on their search for the fourth foreigner. Bagan officials have decided to hold Douglas, Odafe and Barreto for the I league. Bagan coach Carlos Alberto Periera has already come in contact with a few brazilian players and have seen their match Cds. But it has been made clear that Bagan wont rush in for the fourth foreigner, "until and unless we get a very very good foreigner" so as to quote the coach.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

I league Fixture Declared!

The AIFF has officially released the fixture for the upcoming I league. The AIFF officials feel that “There could be some changes in the draw at the later stages, so clubs have been informed only up to the sixth round. However, the AIFF might release the entire schedule in the next couple of days.”
However, according to thefull fixture, The big derby, Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal has been scheduled for 29th of December!
THE SCHEDULE (TILL SIXTH ROUND)
Nov. 26: Mohun Bagan vs JCT (Calcutta).
Nov. 29: Mohun Bagan vs Viva Kerala (Calcutta)
Dec. 2: Mohun Bagan vs Sporting Clube de Goa (Calcutta)
Dec. 8: Mohun Bagan vs Air India (Calcutta),
Dec. 12: Dempo vs Mohun Bagan (Goa)
Dec. 16: Churchill Brothers vs Mohun Bagan (Goa),

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Lalam and Shilton! The couple that saved Bagan's Day!

Mohun Bagan today ended their CFL 2007 campaign on a wining note, thanks to a wonderful goal from young gun Lalampuia and an excellent penalty save by another young mariner, Shilton Paul. The result of the match would not have any changes to the League as Mohun Bagan had already won the league with one match to spare. And moreover with the I league drawing close, coach Perriera did not field many of his key players. Barreto had started off with Kumaresh Bhawal, who retired today after 15 mins of the game and went off amidst a huge round of applause. He was the captain of Bagan for the day. Lalam was brought in. Bagan kept on the attacks and so did Mohd Sporting at times. However with a goal line save from Douglas and a few mssed opportunities by James and Lalampuia, the first half came to an end. With the beginning of the second half Bagan seemed to play a much better game. Lalamkamal and Dharamjit along with James in the midfield supplied Lalam and Barreto with a few good balls and one such balls was sent in the from the right and found Barreto who tried to stretch an inch too far and injured him. Though it has been known that Barreto's injury is not serious, Barreto was taken off after that incident and Gobin was sent in. On the 88th minute, a Lalkamal pass found Lalampuia after coming off a Mohd. Sporting defender. Lalam did no mistake in slotting the ball home for Bagan. However, in the last minute of the extra time, Mohd. Sporting was awarded a penalty after what seemed a hand ball by a Bagan defender. Kuluthungan stepped up for Mohd. Sp. to take the kick and Shilton came up with a spectacular save to deny the Sporting man and literally Mohun Bagan earned 3 points. Mohun Bagan end the League with 36 points from 14 matches, an astonishing 10 points clear of arch rivals East Bengal who ended up being second with 26 points.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Bagan aim to finish League unbeaten! Kumaresh Bhawal to be Captain of Bagan for tomorrow!

Mohun Bagan tomorrow end their CFL campaign. They play Mohd. Sporting in the Salt Lake Stadium. Bagan is aiming to finish the League in a good note, i.e to finish the League unbeaten. Last time in 2005 when Bagan won the last CFL, they had ended their League on an unbeaten note with only one match draw. But this season Mohun Bagan already have 3 draws under their belt. Tomorrow's match will be a tough one, Mohd Sporting is no push over. Bagan were held goalless in the 1st leg by Mohd. Sporting and Mohd. Sporting has already beaten East Bengal 2-1 in the 2nd leg of the leg after going down 6-2 in the 1st Leg. More over Bagan will miss the services of Manju, Habibur and skipper Bhaichung due to injuries. Barreto will however be playing and will try to retain his status as the highest scorer in the League. He will be accompanied by Kumaresh Bhawal, the honorary signing for Bagan this year. Kumaresh Bhawal will captain Mohun Bagan for this one match he will retire after tomorrow's match. Kumaresh Bhawal has been honoured by Bagan for his involvement in foiling a match fixing in 2005.
Mohun Bagan has started getting ready for the National League which from this year will be called as the "I League" the professional football league of India. Bagan open their I League campaign against JCT Mills in Barasat stadium on the 26th of November.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Mohun Bagan clinch Kolkata League!

Today Mohun Bagan became the Champion of the Calcutta Footbal League 2007, with one match to spare. A near capacity crowd had gathered sensing a Bagan victory, and a Bagan victory it was!
From the beginning Mohun Bagan kept up the pressure. Bagan fielded Bhaichung and Lalam upfront and Barreto playing the role of a playmaker. The half rolled amidst much clamour and after about 25 mins, came the spark of brilliance from Lalampuia, whose side volley found the back of the net! Mohun Bagan still kept attacking and created quite a few chances, but failed to make god use of them.
The second half commenced and Mohun Bagan clearly held the upper hand. Just a few minutes into the 2nd Half, a ball from the right found Lalam who hit the cross-bar.
Again another chance was put to waste by Bhaichung as a free ball was gifted by Barreto, but Bhaichung put it wide.
And a few more mintues later, the winner came for Bagan through Bhaichung himself.
A long ball found Bhaichung and the Peerless keeper and Bhaichung gaining controll of the ball pushed it goal wards.
The Match ended 2-0 and Mohun Bagan win the 2007 CFL. Last time they had wonthis league in 2005.

Bagan meet Peerless today!

Mohun Bagan today face Peerless in their penultimate match of the CFL and will go for victory straight away because a 3 point will Mohun Bagan as the Champion of the 2007 Calcutta Premier League.
Peerless will be a tough opponent as they have proved before. In the 1st Leg Peerless in their match against East Bengal had gone 2-0 up, but thanks to some partial refereeing decisions which saw the game abandoned. Even against Mohun Bagan, Peerless after going down 2-0, came back sharply to draw level, but Venkatesh put in the last minute winner to clinch valuable 3 points for Bagan.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Bagan match postponed, I league in sight

With just one match to win the CFL, Bagan's CFL matches against Peerless and Mohd. SP. were postponed owing to All Bengal Strike. Today Bagan was scheduled to play their League winner against Peerless, but following a Mamta Banerjee strike, Bagan's match has been scheduled for Wednesday, the 14th of November.
The I League, which is the new name for the Indian proffessional League, starts off from the last week of November and Bagan meet JCT on the 26th of November in Kolkata.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Diwali comes early in Bagan!

Today Mohun Bagan defeated East Bengal continuously for the 6th time in the Kolkata League. Bagan emerged victorious ridding a brace, courtesy Barreto and some excellent goal keeping from Shilton Paul.
The match kicked off with both the teams attacking each other. As the match rolled on in the 1st half, it more or less turned out to be who had a better midfield. East Bengal were playing a compact defence with Surkumar, Suresh, Bolajai and Debrata. In stark contrast, Bagan fielded a completely new set of players at the defence, Shubhasish, Manju, Maria, Habibur.
For Manju it was his first match for Bagan and first big match after the Nehru cup final. Maria came came into the team just a match back, and both Habibur and Subhashis were not regulars for the past matches.
Shilton pulled of a stunner from the feet of a colorless Edmilson, which could have "goal" written all over it. Both Manju and Subhashis took time to settle down and Douglas found it hard to cope up with the pace of the game and ended up committing needless foul on a number of occasions.
The half ended on even ground, both the teams putting in their best.
Soon after the beginning of the second half, the stadium erupted in joy as Barreto, from a long pass from Dharamjit, wrestled his way past Suresh and placed a wonderfully placed left footer past the goalie, who spread himself across the goal in vane!
Quite surprisingly after the goal, Bagan stepped on the gas and presented a much improved performance and stringed together some beautiful passes to create a number of chances.
Midway in the half, Shilton came up with another stunner off a side volley from Edmilson. A sure goal, was punched out by a flying Shilton who bended back to keep the ball off goal.
Mohun Bagan kept on the pressure and on the 92nd minute, Bhaichung was presented with a ball from Barreto. Bahichung found himself free and running towards the goal in full stream. 1:1 with the keeper, Subrata Paul pounced on Bhaichung pulling him to ground inside the penalty box, an inevitable penalty and Barreto calmly placed it in!
Full time: 2-0
Mohun Bagan defeat East Bengal six times straight in the CFL!
Bagan need to win just one match from the remaining two and they will be CFL champions.
TEAM: Shilton, Maria, Manju, Shubhashis, Habibur, Douglas, Venkatesh(Lalkamal), Dharamjit, James(Anit), Barreto, Bhaichung(Lalampuia)

Kolkata Derby today!

Mohun Bagan meet their arch rivals East Bengal today in their CFL draw. Mohun Bagan lead the table with two points and need to extend their lead to ensure the CFL. The match starts off from 3.00pm at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

As the derby draws close...

As the mother of all derbies, the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan AC and Kingfisher East Bengal draws close, tension in both the tents rise. Besides being a derby, this game will also be the Title decider. The winner moves one step closer to wining the Kolkata League.
Both the teams have been somewhat strenghtened by the arrival of a few players from the National Camp.
For Bagan though, Periera's frown has reasons to increase, as Manju, the Indian defender mayb not be able to stand in the defensive wall as he was down with fever and now is not fit enough to play. Bhaichung will feature upfront with Barreto probably. Even the pressence of Lalkamal in the Derby is a doubt.
And with young guns like Tapan Maity, LalamPuia, siting on the sideline for the Derby, Periera is having a tough time to decide upon the starting eleven.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Douglas shines as Bagan derail Eastern Rail!

Bagan today emerged with 3 points convincingly against Eastern Rail and hold their two points lead against East Bengal in the league as they go into the Derby on the 6th of November.
Barreto was sitting out with two yellows cards but his absence was not felt thanks to some good play by Douglas. Odafe, who has already been pushed aside for the Derby giving way for Douglas and Barreto also gaurded the defense well along with Sanjeev Maria.
Lalam started with the pio, Sewram Gobin. From the start Mohun Bagan kept the pressure and forced the opposition's goalie on his toes who pulled out two stunners to deny Bagan the opening goal in the 21st minute. However soon enough Bagan drew first blood through a Dharamjit corner which was headed home by Douglas. The game mostly happened in the Eastern Rail's half and Douglas coming in handy as a blocker in the midfield. Just before the half Bagan went 2-0 ahead, courtesy a Venkatesh goal. The ball was floated in from the right flank which was efficiently back-headed by Gobin and Venkatesh finding himself in a 1:1 situation with the goalie chipped the ball in the net.
The second half did not see much goal mouth action but Douglas reigned supreme in the midfield with distributing well and snatching occasionally. He was later announced the Man of the match.
Ten minutes to full time, Tapan Maity, a talented youngster who had drawn attention during the Santosh trophy, was introduced in place of Venkatesh. Just seconds after he was fielded received a pass from Dharamjit and sent in an inch perfect through ball for Ayan, who had been brought in for Gobin, who netted the third for Bagan.
A couple of chances were missed by both Lalam and Dharamjit but did not cost them dear.
Bagan go into the Derby with a two point lead on the 6th of November.
Team: Shilton, Basfore[Subhasish], Maria, Odafe, Rahul, Dharamjit(C), Douglas, Venkatesh[Tapan], James, Gobin[Ayan], Lalawmpuia
_______________________________________________________
Habibur out of action
Habibur Rahman Mondal will be out of action for indefinite period after last week he went unconscious a couple of times during the practice session.
He has been treated and it was reported that he suffers from a certain kind of nerve problem.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Bagan to feature in Friend's Cup! Douglas to be released before NFL!

Mohun Bagan will fly off to Bangladesh along with Mohammedan SP. to play in the "Friend's Cup" which will oraganised in Bangladesh. The date has not yet been finalised, but it is reported that an official invitation had been sent to Mohun Bagan AC and that club Secretary Anjan Mitra has accepted it on the club's behalf.
Meanwhile, Bagan play their Round 11 game on the 28th of October against Railway F.C. Bagan will be missing the services of their Brazilian Ace, Jose Ramirez Barreto who will be out on account of two yellow cards and hence Lalam is most likely to start with Sewram Gobin. Today, however, Rauf Khan suffered from minor injury in the practice session.
Club treasurer, Debashish Dutta, today confirmed that except for Barreto, not a single foreigner has his place settled in the team. Douglas who has been brought back for the remainder of the CFL most probably will not feature for Mohun Bagan in the NFL along with Peter Odafe if they fail to perform. In which case, the search for not only the third foreigner, rather two foreigners is still on for Bagan.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Douglas to start practice from tommorow!

Douglas D' Silva who had dawned the Green and Maroon jersey last year wil be again seen in action for Bagan this season again. Earlier this season, Bagan had released Douglas who had gone to an Australian football club to give trial. However realisng the need of a central midfielder cum blocker in the side, Douglas had been contacted and has been prefrred because of his big pressence in the field and also his experience will stand in good stead for Bagan in the NFL. He has finally reached Kolkata after much speculation and tomorrow he is all set to start his practice. The Mariners now hope they can close the lock gate for their opponents.

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Perriera cautioned!

Perriera was cautioned by the club officials for the team's poor performance of late. Perriera has not been threatened or given an ultimatum but warned. He has been asked to see to it that upliftment of the team's performance is sought immediately and although not stated expressly, one can come to the conclusion that if the brazillian fails, his career as a Bagan coach might meet an early end.
Perriera, however, when asked to comment on this incident, said that he will try his best to work for the betterment of the team.

Friday, October 5, 2007

Port hold Bagan 3-3!

A certainly a goal feast! But unlike last time, which was a wash out for Port, today they gave the Mohun Bagan players a run for their money and enforced an unpredictable score.
Port Trust went ahead with Henry scoring the 1st goal within 10 mins.
Then Lalampuia put in an equaliser and then added another one two his tally. Bagan went 2-1 up with a brace from Lalam. Then Barreto netted a ball and the score board read 3-1.
Then came Port's moment of brilliance as their Henry again scored and the score line read 3-2 on the 74th minute.
And then on the 92nd minute Port put in the 3rd and snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat.
They snatched a point from Bagan. Not that this 0one point was imperative for Port but this loss of 2 points for Bagan may cost dear as East Bengal are hot on their heals.

MOHUN BAGAN ATHLETIC CLUB-The National club of India

A Short History:

MOHUN BAGAN AC-The National club of India, the oldest Club in Asia,
was established on 15th August 1889 when India was up in arms against her collonial head, England.

Eversince its establishment the Club had been winning a lot of local leagues and cups but the moment of greatness that surpasses all came in the year 1911 when Mohun Bagan AC became the first Indian club/team to defeat the foreigners in their own game of football.

On 29th of July 1911 Mohun Bagan won the IFA shield beating East Yorkshire 2-1. Eversince there has been no stopping!

The club has won and keeps on winning many a laurel for the country! It has made our Nation Proud!

According to FIFA rankings, in Asia, Mohun Bagan is the 16th biggest team to have an avg. home crowd of 19,888. According to World standards, Mohun Bagan has been ranked of 127 much ahead of other big clubs like Udinese(Italy), Benfica(Portugal) and Fulham(England) to mention a few.

It is however,not an easy task to consolidate the history of a club which is more than 117 years old*...(read more...)

*For Further Info:Please visit The Offical site of MAC: History section please open in a New Window

Location: Kolkata Maidan
Colours:
Green and Maroon
Symbol: Sail Boat

Stadium: Mohun Bagan ground
Yuva Bharati Krirangan

MOHUN BAGAN AC- It's not just a club, it is an institution, a religion, a passion. LIVE IT...DIE FOR IT...

A Pictorial trip of the Mohun Bagan Ground!

Satellite Imagery of our Club Ground!*
*Open in a New Window please.
Images of Yuva Bharati Krirangan*
*Open in a New Window please.

Photos by: Soumyadeb Sinha
Photos by: Soumyadeb Sinha

Souvenirs

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