Mohammedan Sporting will have their task cut out against a rejuvenated East Bengal side when they face each other in the ISL Derby at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan on Saturday, November 9. The two sides have not had the greatest of starts in the ongoing ISL, languishing at the bottom of the points table. While Mohammedan Sporting registered a win against Chennaiyin FC, Red and Golds have suffered six straight defeats so far in the league. However, under new coach Oscar Bruzon, East Bengal made a turnaround, reaching the quarter-finals of AFC Challenge League.
Dipendu Biswas, former India footballer and currently the football secretary of Mohammedan Sporting, said, “Yes, they (East Bengal) played well in the AFC Challenge League and will have the confidence,” he told RevSportz. “They are certainly a good side, but it does not matter in a Derby.
“We have played good football so far, except the matches against Mohun Bagan and Hyderabad FC, where we were comprehensively outplayed. I would say our performances against Chennaiyin, FC Goa and North-East were not bad.”
He further added, “I have been constantly telling the players what it takes to do well in a Derby. If we can pull off a win, fans will forget the poor show in the previous matches. All I can say is a win against East Bengal can boost the confidence and morale of the side for the remaining matches in the season.”
Andrey Chernyshov’s side suffered three consecutive losses in the ISL, which included a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Hyderabad FC at home. To make matters worse, the Black Panthers will be missing defender, Joseph Adzei, because of an injury. Florent Ogier is all set to replace Adzei.
“Adzei will be missed in the Derby against East Bengal. But we have a like-for-like replacement in Florent (Ogier). He has been training hard and his inclusion will bolster our defence,” added Dipendu.
Perfect team effort doesn’t exi-😮💨 🎯#MohammedanSC #JaanJaanMohammedan #JaanShaanImaanDilMeinMohammedan ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/OgOeWIZy8K
— Mohammedan SC (@MohammedanSC) November 6, 2024
On being asked about potential threats in the opposition, Dipendu noted, “Both Madih Talal and Diamantakos are in good form. Talal has been a livewire in the midfield and we should not give him room to operate. Diamantakos too has been among goals. They also have the likes of Mahesh (Singh) and Jeakson (Singh). They have some good players in their side.”
Dipendu has plied his trade for both East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting. Talking about his fond memories, Dipendu said, “I have scored goals against East Bengal, playing for Md. Sporting and vice versa.
“I still remember the play-off match in the Calcutta league a few years back. East Bengal needed a win to clinch the title while we required a draw. I scored the opening goal, but Tulunga netted twice for them (East Bengal) and we ended up being the runners-up. The fans were very upset as we had to be escorted by policemen after the match.”
Mohammedan Sporting’s recent matches:
Lost to Hyderabad FC 0-4
Lost to Kerala Blasters 1-2
Lost to Mohun Bagan 0-3