Mohun Bagan SG are set to kick off their 2024-25 season with a high-stakes Kolkata Derby clash against a youthful Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Durand Cup. Both teams will take the field without any foreigners, but for very different reasons.
Mohammedan SC, currently facing a transfer ban, have been unable to register any new domestic or foreign signings. On the other hand, Mohun Bagan’s foreign contingent — including overseas players and the coaching staff — are yet to join the squad. The Mariners will therefore begin their Durand Cup campaign with an all-Indian lineup under the guidance of Bastab Roy.
Head coach José Molina and Australian defender Tom Aldred are scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on August 1.
Mohammedan have named an identical squad to the one currently featuring in the Calcutta Football League under Mehrajjuddin Wadoo. Despite their squad limitations, they showed spirit and determination in their narrow 2-1 loss to Diamond Harbour in their Durand Cup opener. The Black Panthers will be eager to bounce back against their city rivals.
Mohun Bagan will miss the services of regular captain Subhasish Bose, who has only recently joined the training camp and is yet to regain match fitness. In his absence, two-time ISL Golden Glove winner Vishal Kaith will lead the side. Speaking ahead of the match, Kaith said he “relishes the added responsibility” of wearing the captain’s armband and is ready to give his all on the pitch.
Meanwhile, forward Manvir Singh remains doubtful due to a minor calf muscle pull. Coach Bastab confirmed that a final decision on his inclusion will be taken on the morning of the match.
Defender Abhishek Singh, regarded as one of the most promising side-backs in Indian football currently, is poised to make his Mohun Bagan debut. He is expected to start alongside Ashish Rai as full-backs, with Deepak Tangri and Dipendu Biswas likely forming the central defensive pairing in the absence of foreign centre-backs.
In midfield, Apuia and Abhishek Suryavanshi are expected to anchor the engine room. Anirudh Thapa, who has recently returned from off-season, may be used as an impact substitute in the second half to help manage workload and maintain balance in the middle of the park. Star midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad is yet to report to the camp.
With pre-season preparations beginning only last week, this opening fixture will serve as a first real test of their match fitness and tactical cohesion. Earlier this week, Bastab oversaw a 60-minute internal practice match against the developmental squad to assess the players’ fitness levels and readiness ahead of the tournament.
After their clash with Mohammedan SC, Mohun Bagan will face BSF on August 4 and then take on city rivals Diamond Harbour FC on August 9. The squad is expected to undergo some changes in those fixtures as foreign players begin arriving in Kolkata. Final decisions regarding their inclusion will be made by coach Molina based on fitness and match readiness.
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