This is Karim Bencharifa's script! It turned out just the way he had planned at the beginning of the season to win the Kolkata League for Mohun Bagan with his gang of young players. This is Mohun Bagan's 28th League title.
Karim with his young boys made their way through the tournament with much ups and a few downs, but ultimately emerged victorious leaving arch rivals East Bengal in the third place and Mohammedan finishing 2nd.
Bagan went into the match with needing just point to win the League, otherwise, had to wait for he Mohammedan - Chirag match which Mohammedan had to win by a a difference of atleast 3 goals. But Bagan boys left nothing in the hands of fortune and came out with the necessary 1 point, though it would not have been surprising had they extended their CFL Derby win to a astonishingly 8 wins in a row.
The match started off with East Bengal having nothing to lose plunging into the match with a star studded team. Alvito, Rahim Nabi, Meherajuddin Wadoo, SunilChhetri, Ashim Biswas, Surkumar, Musah and Subrata Pal, none were left out. Mohun Bagan on the other hand came out missing Dipak Mondal, Odafe, Bhaichung, Ishfaq. Young inexperienced players like Ramlal luaha, Jr. James, Rakesh Mashi, Rino Antao, Anand Vasan, Mohan Raj and Lalawm Puia represented Bagan.
East Bengal tried to prove their dominance the match, but lacked the quality to make any mark and the Bagan midfield, though lacking a play maker, fought well with the young blockers and snatchers. The defense also coped well with East Bengal attacks.
In the 23rd minute Malsauwmtulunga was tripped inside the East Bengal Penalty area and Bagan earned a penalty kick, which Barreto converted with out any mistake. Bagan held on t the lead for the remainder of the half.
With the beginning of the 2nd half, East Bengal again tried to get back, but failed to make any opening in the Bagan defense. Barreto on the other hand, wasted a 1:1 chance with Subrata.
Just when it seemed Mohun Bagan would register their 8th straight Derby win in the CFL against East Bengal, Edmilson Marquez in the 83minute scored from a free kick with went through the Bagan wall.
The match ended 1-1 and Mohun Bagan retaining the Kolkata League and winning it for the 28th time.
In the last 10 Derby encounters, Bagan have remained undefeated in the Salt Lake Stadium, infact winning majority of them.
Team: Sangram, Vasan, Manju, Rino, Mohunraj(Rahul Kumar), Rakesh, Lalram Luaha, Tulunga, Jr.James, Barreto, Lalawmpuia
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