Reigning champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face NorthEast United FC, who will host major international events in September, in the final of the 133rd UAE, which will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday. The reigning champions were tested by Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC in both knockout matches, winning on penalties and will have their task on the line against a NorthEast team that has played clinically throughout the tournament, having defeated Indian Army 2-0 and Shillong Lajong 3-0 in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.
Mohun Bagan can count on the support of their loyal fans and head coach Jose Molina spoke about his team's home advantage in tomorrow's match.
“I think it's very good to have home fans but on the pitch there will be 11 players against 11 players. So it's never an advantage to play in front of your home crowd. There will be pressure as a home team but the players are experienced enough to handle that,” said Mohun Bagan's star player, Greg Stewart.
“I feel a little bit pressured to play in front of my home crowd. Because it's a game that you have to play. It's going to be a tough game tomorrow against a very good team from the northeast,” Jose Molina said in a press release from Durand Cup.
On the other hand, NorthEast Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali sounded excited to play in front of the Kolkata crowd: “It's fantastic to play in front of such a great crowd in Kolkata. We have nothing to lose. We have played some good football and have come here to give our best in front of such a great crowd, fantastic city and great people.”
Vishal Kaith has been in terrific form between the posts for the Mariners and will once again play a key role for them, alongside the star attackers of Dimitri Petratos, Greg Stewart, Jason Cummings, Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad and Manvir Singh.
NorthEast United's defence, led by captain Michel Zabaco and Moroccan Hamza Regragui, has conceded just one goal this entire tournament.
Mohun Bagan have conceded five goals in the two knockout matches and will be looking to rectify their mistakes against a solid attacking line of Jithin MS, Nestor Albiach and Guillermo Fernandez who are constantly receiving balls from midfield by the erratic Moroccan Mohammed Ali Bemammer. “NorthEast are a very good team. We have seen that throughout the tournament. They have good wingers. But we have full confidence in our boys and we will give our best on the pitch tomorrow,” Jose Molina said of their opponent.
“We are here to give 100 per cent and win the trophy,” said NorthEast United captain Michel Zabaco. “They are a very good team and have solid individual players, but we will follow our game plan and come away with a win,” the Spanish defender added.
The final promises to be a thrilling match and after 90 minutes or penalties, one team will either win a record-breaking 18th Durand Cup title or the other team will win their first ever Durand Cup. According to Highlanders head coach Juan Pedro Benali, “We have our weapons and they have theirs and it's going to be a great match. At the end of the match, we congratulate the best team.”
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