Minerva look to give tough fight to Mohun Bagan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 16

Debutant Minerva Punjab FC will be eager to register their first win in I-League when they take on hosts and former champions Mohun Bagan in their Round III fixture at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium on Tuesday. 

The home team under coach Sanjoy Sen has already grabbed six points with successive wins in their previous two matches at home and would be hoping to consolidate their position against the northern side. 

The side registered a narrow win against Goan heavyweights Churchill Brothers, before having an easy run against Shillong Lajong FC. 

The former champions will be banking on Haiti International Sony Norde, who is back from national duty and ready for his much anticipated first I-league appearance this season. 

Former Scotland International Darryl Duffy, who scored a brace against Shillong Lajong, and Japanese playmaker Katsumi Yusa will help to add force to the hosts. 

Their Punjab striker Balwant Singh will, however, have a tough task to overcome a rigid Minerva backline.

Minerva come to the game with a heartbreaking loss to hosts Aizawl FC at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, and would be looking to shed their sorrow against the Mariners.  

Minerva displayed brilliant play in their previous fixture as they managed to hold an experienced Aizawl FC at for 94 minutes before an own goal saw then end on the losing side. Local lad Arshpreet Singh and Nigerian Loveday Enyinnaya have so far performed as per plan. 

Minerva, however, is likely to miss the services of their first choice goalkeeper Ravi Kumar, who suffered an injury in the last match. He will be replaced by former Sporting Club de Goa's Goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh. 

"Ravi's injury is a worry and he is likely to be replaced with Kamaljit, who is equally good in saving the nets," said Surinder Singh.  

He, however, said they were ready to give Mohun Bagan a tough fight. "We will be having a different game plan in comparison to our previous outings for tomorrow’s game. The boys are gaining in experience and know the temperament required for such games.  We are hopeful of  giving a tough fight to the home side," said Singh.