Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) are just six points away from defending their ISL League Shield, aiming to become the first club in history to win it back to back. With four matches in hand, the Green-and-Maroon Brigade now travel south to Kochi for a crucial encounter against Kerala Blasters, and a passionate home crowd.
Blasters, currently on 24 points from 19 games, are desperate to break into the top six despite missing two key players — Noah Sadaoui (minor injury) and Kwame Peprah (suspension). The Blasters will also be looking to avenge their reverse-fixture defeat and back-to-back home losses to Mohun Bagan in previous seasons.
On the other hand, Mohun Bagan arrive in flawless form, unbeaten in their last eight outings. However, as they inch closer to the Shield, head coach José Molina remained cautious. He believed this is the most crucial phase of the campaign and was determined to keep his squad focused.
“The Shield is within our reach, but we must go and take it,” Molina said animatedly before flying to Kochi. “Now is the time to concentrate more than ever. We cannot relax—nobody can relax. It would be a huge mistake to do so at this stage.”
No Long-Term Goals, Just Three Points
Molina acknowledged how close his team are to sealing the prestigious League Shield, but he refused to look too far ahead. His sole focus is securing three points against Kerala.
“Right now, my only concern is going to Kochi, helping my players, playing a strong match, and winning three points,” he said. “That’s the only goal—to get closer to achieving the Shield.”
Injury Concerns for Mohun Bagan
Mohun Bagan will have to work hard without two of their key players—Ashish Rai and Sahal Abdul Samad, both ruled out due to injury. Anirudh Thapa has almost recovered, but Molina is unwilling to take any risks and will rest him for a few more days.
Sahal, who would have loved to play in front of his former club’s fans, will unfortunately miss the game. Dipendu Biswas, the star performer in Mohun Bagan’s 3-0 win over Punjab FC, is expected to replace Ashish Rai, while Deepak Tangri will partner Apuia in midfield in Sahal’s absence. Tom Aldred and Apuia also return from suspension, giving Molina some much-needed squad depth.
Fond Memories in Kochi for Molina
For Molina, Kochi holds special memories—he lifted the ISL Trophy here in his first stint in India with Atlético de Kolkata. Now, he looks forward to another triumphant outing at the same venue.
“Kochi is a fantastic city,” said Molina. “I have great memories here, and I’m happy to return. I am confident that we can play well and secure three points.”
Final Stretch: Aiming for Perfection
With Jamshedpur already out of the Shield race, only FC Goa remain as Mohun Bagan’s last challenger. However, Molina’s squad has been dominant throughout the season, and they are determined to prove they are the best team in the league.
“We have to prove that we are the best because we want to win the Shield,” said Molina.
The mission is clear—no room for slip-ups, no margin for error. If they maintain their momentum, history awaits.
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