Mohun Bagan AC - The National Club of India!

Invitation for the Special event and Renewal of Membership card!

2011-07-23T09:16:00.005+05:30

Mohun Bagan club has issued a notice today regarding renewal and availing of the invitation for the centenary event to be held on the 29th of July at the Netaji Indoor Stadium. It has been stated that the Invitation for the special event on the 29th is complimentary for the members of the club against their membership card.

Interested members are to collect both from the club premises on the following days:

On 25th between 2pm-7pm

On 26th between 11am-8pm

On 29th between 11pm-6pm .

Chettri to accompany Odafa upfront!

2011-07-22T23:40:00.002+05:30

The transfer season could not go any better for Bagan fans this year. Recruiting Odafa had already put the cat among the pigeons for the other teams in the I League and now to add to their woes, Sunil Chettri after his stint with the Kansas City Wizards, in the MLS, has joined to reinforce the Bagan forward line with the likes of Jose Ramirez Barreto and Odafa Okili.

Sheer fear is installed in the hearts of any defender at the mere name of Odafa and / or Jose Ramirez Barreto and this season Bagan officials have made sure that their will be no dearth of fire power in the team by adding Sunil Chettri to the side. The national team striker will return to Kolkata on the 29th of this month.

This will be the home coming for the talented India striker who during his teens was first seen playing for Mohun Bagan in local leagues and National League and had managed to make 18 first team appearance and score as many as 8 goals between 2002 to 2005 before moving to JCT Mills.

The Delhi born boy managed to impress the recruiters of Kansas City Wizards and had signed a deal in 2010 that saw him spending the year in the American league. He came to serve the nation in the Asia Cup and later in 2011 signed a half season contract with United sports club and scored 7 goals in 7 appearances.

Bagan bag Darby, team on the 25th!

2011-07-20T08:32:00.007+05:30

In their hunt for a foreign coach, Bagan officials have successfully managed to rope in the the 56-year old former Thailand U23 national team assistant coach Stephen David Darby better known as Steve Darby who is also well known throughout Asia as a pundit

for ESPN Star Sports.

Darby has been a UEFA A Licence holder since 1979. He became an official FIFA Instructor for the Oceania region in 1981 and AFC Instructor 1998 and was National Development Manager for the Australian Soccer Federation between 1990-1995 before moving on to coach clubs teams of Australia Singapore and Malaysia. In 2001 he left coaching clubs and took charge of the Vietnamese women's football team, whom he led to a gold medal in the SEA Games.

It is reported that Mr. Darby has been appointed as the Chief Coach of the McDowell Mohun Bagan Football Team for the 2011-12 season. Mr. Darby will arrive in Kolkata on 24th July 2011 and the club officials have arranged a Press Conference at 5.00 pm on the 25th to formally declare such appointment and with that the much awaited announcement of the final squad for this season.

Gourmangi well into the Bagan net!

2011-07-15T22:19:00.007+05:30

Bagan club officials confirmed today that after picking the most sought after striker in the I league, Odafa Okili, they have had their eyes set on the Indian National team defender Gourmangi Singh for quite some time.

Keeping in mind the difficulties the team had to face owing to the lack of an experienced back line for the better half of the last season, club officials have gone all out to rope in the Manipuri centre back, who had won the AIFF player of the year, 2010. He is one of the few Indian players who has been consistent throughout his entire career. Gourmangi has attracted clubs like Melbourne Hearts with his defensive skills.

The prospect of Gourmangi coming into backline which has Anwar Ali and Surkumar Singh does not seem surprising at all and the trio shall be able to settle down quite easily having played for India together on a number of occasions.

Gourmangi's agent was seen around the Bagan tent a few days back, giving rise to speculations that the Manipuri had already signed for the Calcutta giants. On an interview today, the club officials cleared the air by saying that no such contracts have yet been signed with Gourmangi.

However they stated that they have been in talks with the centre back for some time now and are trying to sort out a few issues which they hope will be cleared in a few days time and they will be successful in enabling the defender to wear the Bagan jersey for the second time in his life. Last time he had dawned the Green and Maroon jersey he was a youngster passing out of Tata Football Academy. However he had failed to impress the then club officials before moving to Dempo in 2004.

Bagan bang 5 into East Bengal goal! Chidi alone 4!

2009-10-25T23:15:00.005+05:30

Chidi, Chidi, Chidi, Chidi...a name that will no doubt give nightmares to any East Bengal fan for the years to come. A name that wrecked havoc to the East Bengal defense and hammered 4 goals alone in Mohun Bagan's 5-3 triumph over their arch rivals East Bengal. Manish Mathani scored the other goal for Bagan.

East Bengal went ahead through Nirmal Chettri from a corner in the 8th minute. Bagan never seemed down and out and pushed forward and soon got the equaliser. A brilliant run down the right flank by Surkumar, went past Govin Singh's challanges and played a minus to Chidi. Chidi calmly placed the ball past the East Bengal custodian.

East Bengal though tried to controll the game, it never seemed they could establish their say and soon from a lovely ball played in by Snehashih and then Barreto, Chidi missed a chance and fell to Manish, who took a screamer which deflected off Avra Mondal's chest and into the goal.East Bengal after the second goal seemed like a ship with its rudder.Soon Bagan piled on the third goal. Lovely little chip centre from Barreto and Chidi heads it into the East Bengal goal.Just moments later Bagan conceded a silly goal due to a misunderstanding between Shilton and Surkumar.East Bengal, suddenly after this goal exerted themselves and suddenly they seemed more a formidable side; and just moments before the half time interval, from a free kick Yakubu scored the qualiser. 3-3

The second half began and within 30 seconds, Bagan were up in front again.Snehashish's centre was met by a diving header at the second post by James Singh, and the header found Chidi, who slammed the ball into an open goal.

Barreto however, who was suffering from an injury aggravated it during the match and had to be taken off. Barreto left the field in tears and Ishfaq was just the man at that moment, one who would run after the ball and slam into the opposition and not let them settle down. East Bengal tried to capitalise on the situation, but the final nail in the coffin was driven when Chidi scored his fourth goal and Bagan's 5th from a curling corner from Marcos. Chidi headed in the 5th and final goal.

After that what followed was Marcos's experience and Karim's strategy, which literally closed all gates of hopes for East Bengal as Bagan went shutters down.Marcos in the second half played more of a role of a CDM and that really helped tighten up the defense.

Bagan ease past Kalighat in CFL opener!

2009-10-21T19:26:00.005+05:30

Bagan toyed with newly promoted Kalighat's defense and created a plethora of chances and should have won 10-0 had it not been for Chidi, who single handedly squandered atleast six easiest of easy chances along with a few from Branco, Suraj, Kulo and Shubhojit. At the final whislte, the scoreline read 1-0, the only goal coming through the right wing Shubhojit Majumdar.

What can be said, the second team of Mohun Bagan started the day against Kalighat, but Bagan through out dominated the play, with the newbie Manish Mathani quite an impressive role as a CAM. Lalram Luaha was entrusted as a CDM with Santa Kumar playing as Left wing. Karan Atwal made his debut for Bagan along with the veteran Deepak as CB. Zenith and Mohunraj played as side backs.

Manish once hit the post from inside the box and Chidi cme up with some wayward heads untill Shubhojot Mujumdar, off a nice through ball from Chidi, made a run up the right flank and took an out-step shot which swung into the first post past the keeper's hand.

Nothing much happened for Kalighat as they were kept defending for almost the whole of the match and Bagan came up with chances only to be foiled by Chidi. With the big Derby match coming just 3 days later it was shattering to see the only striker in absence of Barreto to be such off colour. Karim has but to pray for Chidi's stars to shine on the 25th. Chidi, however, managed to pick up a yellow card after a tussle with an African defender of Kalighat. It seems the opposition has spotted Chidi's weakness, his "hot head". He really needs to put some ice bag on his head and put his scoring boots on if he is to bring smiles on the faces of the Bagan fans.

:Somehow Chidi managed to kick this ball over the bar post, instead of just placing it into an empty goal.

15 day trial for Palestinian international

2009-10-10T21:26:00.002+05:30

Today in a press release, Three times I-League (National football League of India) winner Mohun Bagan A.C announced that Yousef Saeed Mezyan of Palestine will arrive Kolkata tomorrow for a 15 days trial. He is a player of Asian Quota. Yousef, the 31 year old Central Defender was a player of Palestine National team since 2000 and played 17 international match for his country.On Club level he played for Al - Ansar (Lebanon),Al - Mabarra (Lebanon), Al-Hekma (Lebanon), Al - Wehdat (Lebanon). Personal Details of Yousef Saeed Full name : Yousef Saeed Mezyan Place & of Birth : Beirut 1978 Nationality : Palestinian. Original Nationality Algerian Position : Central Defender Address : Lebanon Height : 190 cm Weight : 84kg Source: Kolkatafoootball.com

Jayasuriya sign for Bagan along with Vaas!

2009-09-21T22:58:00.003+05:30

CRICKET:Chaminda Vaas, the world renowned Sri Lankan Pacer had already signed for Bagan last season and now Sanath Jayasuriya, one of the most destructive batsmens ever, has signed for Mohun Bagan's cricket team(according to local electronic media reports). Though initially Sanath had a talk with Bagan rivals East Bengal, but in the end, Bagan nudged East Bengal out of the scene and made a deal with Sanath! Vaas and Jayasuriya will now play for Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata, whenever they are free from their international duties.

Chidi scores twice as Bagan make Durand Final!

2009-09-20T19:12:00.004+05:30

Durand Cup:Bagan today scored twice through Edeh Chidi make it to the final of the Durand Cup where they will meet Churchill Brothers.

Bagan went ahead in the 19th minute. Mahindra equalised through Mohd. Rafi in the 70th minute and then Bagan got the winner from Edeh Chidi in the 76th minute.

Barreto suffering from an injury was not confirmed for the match, but he did comeout to win it for Bagan and played entire 90 minutes before being replaced by Kulothungan in the 91st minute.

Bagan went ahead in the 18th minute when James delivered a ball from the right on the second post, which Barreto headed to Chidi at the first post and he slotted it in. After the goal Mahindra stepped up their efforts, but the Bagan defense was upto the task.

However the midfield lacked not only creativity, it also was lacking in the blocking department. Micky failed to find a partner in Shubho Kumar, who was made to spend the entire 90 mins on the field but was not seen either tackling a ball or even attempting to block one, not to mention his centres were not on the money either. Surprising however, Koluthungan with his high work rate was made to sit out for the match. James and Snehashish were impressive down the flank and also chipped in with their defensive qualities. During the later half of the match, Barreto was seen defending in his own half leaving Chidi alone upfront.

Sangram was over all impressive under the bar pulling off a few spectacular saves, but he seemed clueless about when to advance. On two occasions he was found stranded on the top of the six yard box with ball watching above his head. On one such occasion he let in a header, from Mohd. Rafi, which, had Sangram been on the line, would not have gone in.

Barely six minutes had passed when James took a world class free kick to stun the Mahindra Keeper. His right footer, instead of swinging in for the advancing heads, swerved out and the advancing keeper had to jump back to save it for a corner. From the corner, Chidi drove in a powerful header, even though he was highly marked.

Bagan will meet Churchill Brothers on the 22nd of September and the word is out that Bagan with their full team will be out to take sweet sweet revenge of their IFA Shield defeat.

Bagan book a berth in the Semis! Barreto scores a Brace!

2009-09-19T10:36:00.005+05:30

Durand Cup: Jose Ramirez Barreto stayed on the pitch for just 20 minutes. It was enough to ensure Mohun Bagan’s passage to the semi-finals of the Durand Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium on Friday.
Playing his second match of the season, the Brazilian came up with two magical strikes in the first 15 minutes as Mohun Bagan defeated JCT, Phagwara, 2-0 to top Group II with six points and set up a semi-final clash with holders Mahindra United on Sunday.
In the first semi-final, Goa giants Churchill Brothers and Dempo Sports Club will meet each other.
It was a typical veni vidi vici performance by Barreto. Once his scoring job was over, the Brazilian was quickly taken off by the Mohun Bagan coach. He was replaced by Branco Cardozo.
As Barreto walked off the pitch, the crowd broke into a spontaneous applause. He is the only member of the Bagan squad that won the Durand Cup in 2001, Bagan’s last Durand Cup title so far.
The match was won and lost in the first 15 minutes. Barreto opened scoring in the fourth minute when he came from behind to trap the ball inside the box and beat the goalkeeper.
The second goal was even more spectacular. Latching on to a header by Chidi that fooled the defence, the Brazilian rushed in, beat the marker and then sent the ball in with a clever shot.
The decision to replace Barreto is debatable. Once he went off, JCT took charge of the match. They attacked relentlessly and were unlucky not to find the target. Bagan have themselves to blame for inviting pressure, despite taking a 2-0 lead so early in the match.
The Calcutta team got a golden chance to increase the lead when their Nigerian striker Edeh Chidi was brought down inside the box by Sarabjeet Singh. James Singh’s spot-kick hit the post before it was parried away by JCT goalkeeper Karanjit Singh.
Despite JCT’s apparent domination in the midfield, Chidi should have scored twice in the second half. On the second occasion, seasoned Daljit Singh made a goalline save.
At the other end, Sangram Mukherjee was impeccable under the bar. His best came in the first half when he leaped high to save a Baldeep Singh header that looked certain to go in.
Teams
Mohun Bagan: Sangram Mukherjee; Surkumar Singh, Deepak Mondal, Rakesh Masih and Mohanraj; James Singh, Micky Fernandes, Kulothungan (Subhakumar, 69) and Snehasis Chakrabarty (Shantakumar, 72); Edeh Chidi and Jose Barreto (Branco Cardozo, 20).
JCT: Karanjit Singh; Daljit Singh, Sarabjeet Singh, Gurwinder Singh and Jaspal Singh; Baldeep Singh, Penn Orji, Jagpreet Singh (Baljit Sr., 78) and Sakatar Singh (Lalchhuanmawia, 74); Balwant Singh and Baljit Sahni (Balraj Singh, 71). Referee: PK Bose.

Earlier in the day, East Bengal went down 2-0 to Mahindra United, who will meet Mohun Bagan in the Semis.

Bagan begin with a bang!

2009-09-17T15:35:00.005+05:30

On a day when their arch rivals East Bengal got kicked out of the Durand Cup being beaten in thier first match against Lajong FC, Mohun Bagan began their campaign in the Cup without any hiccup when they outclassed ONGC 5-1 in a Group II quarter-final league at the Ambedkar Stadium on Wednesday. The victory has put Mohun Bagan in an advantageous position in the three-team group as they now need a draw against JCT in the last league match to advance to the semi-finals. JCT had won 1-0 against ONGC. Pitted against a team that looked absolutely clueless both in the defence and midfield, the 16-time champions camped themselves in the rival half from the very beginning. The Calcutta team, who were up by two goals by the 15th minute, scored through Surkumar Singh (2), Edeh Chidi (2) and Jose Ramirez Barreto. In between the second and the third goal, Mohun Bagan also missed a penalty when Barreto was brought down inside the box by defender A. Naresh. Barreto himself took the spot kick that was saved by a diving ONGC goalkeeper Bilifang Narzary. The Mumbai team custodian, however, wasn’t in his elements when Surkumar Singh struck the first goal in the eighth minute. The Mohun Bagan right back swung a speculative shot towards the rival goal but Narzary, to the utter shock and dismay of his teammates, fumbled to collect and the ball bounced and hit the post before crossing the line. Surkumar Singh had a field day as he picked up his second goal well into the add-on time with a booming 30-yard shot. Encouraged by the success, Mohun Bagan increased the pressure. While their midfielders won almost every ball in the middle, both Edeh Chidi and Barreto looked dangerous whenever they had the ball. In the 18th minute, Chidi picked up the second goal off a melee inside the box. The Nigerian then played a role behind Barreto getting his first goal of the season. Chidi was again on the target in the 78th minute while Babatunde pulled one back for ONGC three minutes later. Teams Mohun Bagan: Sangram Mukherjee; Surkumar Singh, Deepak Mondal, Rakesh Masih and Mohanraj; James Singh (Subhojit Majumdar, 72nd), Micky Fernandes, K Kulothungan (Subha Kumar, 82nd) and Snehasish Chakraborty (Santakumar, 64th); Edeh Chidi and Jose Ramirez Barreto. ONGC: Billifang Narzary; KV Kalu, Kamal Thapa, Chukwuma Udofia and CS Saleel; L Lalmaunpuia, Sandip Sanga, J Lalsangzuala (C Kenistan, 71st) and A Naresh; Kaushik Bose and Babatunde. Report: The Telegraph

10 men Bagan assure 40th Shield final appearance!

2009-09-10T08:13:00.005+05:30

The margin Wednesday was marginal. But that didn’t stop Mohun Bagan from making their 27th IFA Shield final, edging past Chirag United 5-4 on penalties, after 120 minutes of football failed to break the 0-0 deadlock.
Indeed, for Bagan, the semi-final at the Salt Lake stadium began on a wrong note. In the absence of Jose Ramirez Barreto, much of the green and maroon brigade’s hopes were tied to Nigerian Edeh Chidi. But an ugly incident in the 10th minute upset all calculations.
Chidi and Chirag defender Eduardo were involved in a tussle for an aerial ball and that resulted in an altercation. In the heat of the moment, Chidi headbutted Eduardo, causing a minor cut on his nose. and referee .P. Thakur promptly issued marching orders to the Nigerian. Eduardo, who had started the argument, was let off with a yellow card.
The incident led coach Karim Bencharifa to alter his strategy and Bagan switched to defensive mode, employing a 4-4-1 formation, that saw the midfielders falling back time and again to bolster the back four.
Bagan, already at a loss in the absence of a striker, discovered that their attacking options virtually closed. With Kulothungan as the lone man upfront, Bencharifa’s team seldom ventured into rival territory.
Chirag, who enjoyed more ball possession, were hamstrung by the same drawback — a lack of good strikers. Brazilian Joshimar was too slow while Parveen Kumar appeared a rudderless. In the 30th minute, Joshimar failed reach a potentially dangerous cross inside the Bagan box and, then, in the 47th minute, Parveen wasted a Gouranga Biswas cross with only Shilton to beat.
Chirag created more openings in the second half but their finishing let them down. Parminder Singh’s long range effort was the best of the lot. Shilton did well to get his fingers to the ball before it hit the horizontal on its way out.
One wondered whether Chirag coach Subrata Bhattacharya could have deployed more men in the attacking zone, more so when 10-man Bagan were more interested in protecting their citadel and with Shilton in a rebelios mood seemed more than unbeatable. In the end it was Bencharifa’s gamble, of replacing an impressive Shilton with Sangram Mukherjee, in the last minute of extra time, that paid off as the latter blocked the decisive first penalty shot, taken by Jayanta Sen.
Marcos, Rakesh Masih, Snehasish Chakraborty, Surkumar Singh and James Singh converted to see Bagan through. Lalawmpuiya, Eduardo, Lalkamal Bhowmick and Subhasish Roychowdhury were on target for Chirag.
TEAMS: Mohun Bagan: Shilton Paul (Sangram Mukherjee 120’), Surkumar Singh, Deepak Mondal, Rakesh Masih, N. Mohanraj (Biswajit Saha 99’), L. James Singh, Micky Fernandes, Marcos Pereira, K. Kulothungan (Santa Kumar 78’), Snehasish Chakraborty, Edeh Chidi Chirag United: Sandip Nandy, Safar Sardar, Dulal Biswas (Subhasish Roychowdhury 60’), Eduardo, Manas Das, Gouranga Biswas, Jayanta Sen, Lalkamal Bhowmick, Praveen Kumar (Lalawmpuiya 91’), Parminder Singh (Bangkok 75’), Joshimar Report: The Telegraph

Bagan into the Semis!

2009-09-06T17:07:00.004+05:30

Mohun Bagan going into the match against Mahindra Utd for the Semi finalist decider only had to draw the match having a better goal difference. That's exactly what happened as an exciting game ended in a one all draw.

Bagan went ahead through Snehashish in the first half. From a lovely curving Jame's centre from the right Snehashish flew in from the left and headed in. Mahindra tried to drive issue after conceding the goal but Bagan defence held them off pretty well in the half.

The second half saw the introduction of Steven Dias for Mahindra and withing five minutes, Mahindra equalised through Mijin.

Mahindra knowing that nothing short of a win will see them through committed more men upfront and pressurised the Bagan defense. Somehow it seems that Bagan defense is lacking the strong binding of the defensive four. May be time bind them together but certainly defense will be a worry for Karim going into the semis.

Shilton Pal, the young keeper who had come in place of the Bagan skipper Sangram today, though could have done a bit more in saving the goal which Mijin scored, was otherwise flawless through out the match and saved almost two point blank range strikes from the Mumbai jeep men.

Chidi Edeh was mostly ineffective today courtesy some tight marking from Kali Alauddin, and more so the slushy ground condition also made life difficult for him.

However, play was stopped for a span of 10 mins during the end when MU custodian Shubhashish Roychoydhury was hit by a missile coming off from some dissatisfied spectators.

However play resumed and Bagan defense spear headed by today's captain Dipak Mondal saved the day.

Bagan meet Chirag on the 9th of September.

Bagan kick off in a rollicking style! Trounce George 4-0!

2009-09-05T01:24:00.002+05:30

Where City giant, East Bengal started off their 2009 season with a nightmare 3-1 defeat to TFA yesterday in the IFA Shield group stage match and thus knocking themselves out(mathematically) of the competition in the very first match, their City rival Mohun Bagan AC got off to a dream start, pumping four goals against George Telegraph in their season opener match in the IFA Shield Group stage match. Next they meet Mahindra Utd. A mere draw will see them through to the Semi Final against either TFA or Chirag.

Today Bagan debutant Edeh Chidi opened the account for Bagan, and just like Adebayor scored for Manchester City in his very first match for the club in the begging moments of the match, Chidi scored his first goal in the 3rd minute, from a cross from the right.

However, he could have doubled the lead half way into first half from the penalty spot but all he could manage was a shot that sailed high over the cross bar.

However, 38 minutes on the clock, James Singh scored from a header from almost the top of the penalty box.

Barely a minute later, Chidi found himself free and after a solo run, placed calmly past the GT custodian to take the score to 3-0 for Bagan. At half time, score was 3-0 for Bagan.

In the second half, George players did manage to put together something and throw something at Bagan and they managed to the hit the bar twice. Mohunraj in the second half was impressive. Surkumar, Koluthungan, Micky were all impressive considering this was the first match and also the ground condition was a slight slushy owing to the heavy rainfall from last night till today morning.

87th minute on the clock and the substitute Suvo Kumar, from about 35 yards away took a blinder with his left foot, it sailed into the goal much to the joy of an already satisfied house.

Bagan scoop Surkumar Singh!

2009-09-02T18:46:00.003+05:30

Mohun Bagan, much to the surprise of all scooped the prolific Indian Right-wing Back Surkumar Singh. Surkumar today visited the Mohun Bagan club along with Rakesh Masih and Dipak Mondal and after some negotiation, signed for Bagan. He was presented his jersey today at the Club Press Meeting.

Last Season, Habibur Rahman Mondal almost single handed took care of the Right back position in all the competitions Bagan participated, Calcutta League, I League, Federation Cup and the AFC Cup. This year, Surkumar will give him some respite.

After an impressive show in the Nehru Cup, Surkumar would be rearing to give his best for the National Club. We wish all the very Best to Surkumar Singh.

Snehashish begin practice under Karim's watchful eyes!

2009-07-25T20:10:00.006+05:30

After the drama that unfolded following Snehashish's intention to play for Bagan this season, the IFA has given green signal to him and now he being a free player can sign for Bagan. Snehashish who at first claimed that he is a free player and he has no standing contract with East Bengal was rebuked by the East Bengal officials and they furnished a document that showed Snehashish's contract. On being challenged it came out that there was no flow of consideration in that contract making it void. Moreover, Snehashish accused the E.B officials of forging his signature. The matter was put forward to the IFA player status committee, who after much ado came up with the solution that since E.B has confessed that they have not paid any sum to the lanky left half, there is no contract and Snehashish is indeed a free player, but imposed a hefty Rs 2 lac fine on the footballer for bringing false charges of forging signature against a club. East Bengal has been found guilty of forging signature in the past, however, this time they were acquitted by the IFA but Snehashish along with Bagan officials are not buying any of it. Snehashish has stated that he will appeal against the decision. However, Snehashish, today came down to the Bagan ground to catch up on the lessens he had missed so far. Karim has asked him to focus on his physical fitness for now because "he has a lot of catching up to do in that department". He has missed the initial few vital endurance practice sessions. Snehashish was seen takings laps round the ground while others practiced with the ball.He will be signing in favour of Mohun Bagan very soon and will most probably be seen sporting a no. 25 jersey. Meanwhile, nothing has yet been decide on former Bagan man , Tomba Singh. Till now he has been working hard to bring back his fitness and Karim is yet to take a decision on this matter.

After Snehashish, Nabi accuses East Bengal of forging his signature!

2009-07-10T20:53:00.004+05:30

Snehashish had already accused East Bengal of forging his signature and forcing him to stay with East Bengal, when he has expressed his unwillingness to stay at East Bengal anymore and his will to play for Mohun Bagan. And now following in his footsteps, his former East Bengal team mate Rahim Nabi has accused East Bengal of counterfeiting his signature.

Nabi, who is in Spain with the India international squad, informed the reporters in Kolkata that to his knowledge, he had a one year contract with East Bengal, which was bound to expire with the 2008-09 season. East Bengal now claims to have a three year contract with Nabi and also claims that he has been given the captain's post for the coming season. Nabi, who is least concerned about his captain's band, says that he had neither signed a three year contract nor have the officials made him sign any new contract this year and asks on what basis East Bengal coach Subhash Bhowmick has named him in his squad and pointed out that beside his name, there is no captain tag.

Shedding light on his thought, he clearly speaks out that he has an attractive offer from Mohun Bagan and asks why should he be forced to play for a lesser payroll for East Bengal?

Moreover, he says that "Shubhash Bhowmick has clearly claimed that he does not want any unwilling horses in his side, then why not leave me?"

Further he said, that even though East Bengal had a contract with Jayanta Sen, they let him go, so where is the problem?

He further said that if necessary he will refer the matter to the IFA and AIFF or may be directly to AIFF following in Bhaichung's footsteps.

Karim earns AFC "A" Licence

2009-07-04T11:27:00.002+05:30

Karim had been to Singapore to earn the AFC 'A' licence for coaching. Karim, however, did have a "A" licence which he had acquired from his home country Morocco. But unfortunately, AFC or UEFA didnot recognize it. Therefore, Karim after the end of the season had gone to Singapore and has earned the AFC "A" licence for coaching.

Meanwhile, the AFC Governing body has declared that to constitute a professional team, the Indian clubs will have to have a coach with "A" licence. Except for Mohun Bagan's Karim, other big clubs of Kolkata doesnot have a "A" licence coaches.

Bagan sign 11 players today!

2009-07-01T23:12:00.002+05:30

Mohun Bagan had started off their player signing episode just two days ago with James Singh sr. staying one more year at Mohun Bagan. Today, 11 players were signed by Mohun Bagan for the coming season. The names of the players signed so far are as follows:-

1. James singh sr. (signed earlier)

2. Sangram Mukherjee

3. Shilton Pal

4. Chiradeep

5. Pralay Dutta

6. Sakhram Mandi

7. Biswajit Saha

8. Subhokumar

9. Subhajit majumdar (u-19 from TFA)

10. Kartick Kisku

11. Suraj Mandal

12. Seikh Azim

Mohun Bagan suspend Bhaichung Bhutia!

2009-06-09T11:42:00.003+05:30

Mohun Bagan have suspended Bhaichung Bhutia for a period of six months for neglecting the club duties but this is not it, as the player can take the matter to the Players’ Status Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) by routing his request through the Indian Football Association, which is the state football association of West Bengal. The decision was taken by the Mohun Bagan Executive Committee which met on Monday and unanimously came out with the above decision. The Mariners had earlier show caused Bhaichung questioning his commitment and distributed copies of the same amongst the scribes. The club had asked the Indian skipper to reply within 48 hours, which he failed to do and in the eventual letter which came from Bhaichung, Mohun Bagan weren’t satisfied with the contents. “We are not at all satisfied with Bhaichung’s reply. It has nothing to do with what we’d asked him in the show-cause notice,” said Bagan vice-president Subrata Mukherjee. According to the club, Bhaichung hadn’t sought permission from his employers as to whether he would like to join the dance reality show. Interestingly, on several occasions, Bagan officials and Coach Karim Bencherifa have gone on record showing their support for Bhaichung’s commitment to the reality show. But whether Bhaichung has a written letter of having being granted the permission isn’t known. Meanwhile, the club vice-president stated that Bhaichung wouldn’t be barred from appearing for the national team during the six month suspension. Opinion regarding this decision of Mohun Bagan has been divided. While, some believe that Bagan are right and have played their cards right in suspending Bhaichung, others feel that the Sikkimese Sniper could get away with it. It is believed that Mohun Bagan have the right to suspend their player for breach of disciplinary rules and defying the club’s standards. Like in every contract, there are certain clauses which states that the club could suspend if the player does XYZ and it seems that Bagan have gone by the rule book. However, a player cannot be barred from playing until he is found guilty of a drug-related or a criminal offence. Bhaichung would have to convince the Players’ Status Committee regarding this and prove that he had, indeed, sought the permission of Bagan before joining the reality show. While Bhaichung had been given the permission, it was done so under various agreed terms such as not missing the training sessions; which wasn’t fulfilled by the Bagan skipper. Bhaichung Bhutia is in the north-eastern region of India and wasn’t available for comments. Report: Goal.com

Edeh Chidi to dawn the Green and Maroon for 09-10 season!

2009-06-04T21:55:00.003+05:30

Mohun Bagan today unveiled their third foreigner. After much speculations about who would be the third foreigner, today holding a press conference, declared Edeh Chidi will be the strike partner for Barreto this season. With Bhaichung uncertain, Bagan needed a player upfront who can replace Bhaichung and Edeh Chidi might just be the one. He is young and is a poacher and will certainly enjoy Barreto's company. For the 2008-09 season, Edeh Chiddi, the Nigerian sensation, scored 11 goals in I-League and 4 goals in Federation Cup for his prevoius club, Mahindra United. 22 year old Chidi confessed the name Mohun Bagan attracted his a lot. " It’s the most prestigious football club of India and I wanted to play in front of the huge numbers of fans of the club. I am really overwhelmed after joining the club and really want to win something for the club in this season. I would consider myself lucky if I will be able to be a part of the success of the club in this season." to quote Chidi. About Barreto, Chidi commented, "Barreto is a good guy and also a good player. I am looking forward to start the attack with him in green and maroon jersey." Now what remains to be seen is which two foreigners feature in the Kolkata League. Marcos might miss the CFL campaign for Bagan considering the fact that Bagan has a packed Midfield this season.

Yakubu, Nabi probables!

2009-05-24T13:20:00.004+05:30

After what seems Mohun Bagan may lose Bhaichung after the show-cause row, Bagan officials have reported to have targetted Yusuf Yakubu of East Bengal FC. Bhaichung, after his commitment towards Mohun Bagan was aksed has gone public to state that he doesnot wish to continue playing for Mohun Bagan and has demanded release from the club. It is reported that East Bengal, who has had a lean transfer season will jump with all hands on deck for Bhaichung. Beto has already turned down East Bengal so now they will target Bhaichung if he is released from Mohun Bagan. Bagan officials however, are looking out for a possible replacement for Bhaichung and it is known that the present body of officials trust on tried and tested players rather than bringing a fresh face. It is reported that Yusuf Yakubu has been approached, since Yakubu had a good outing last season and also the fact Barreto and Yakubu has played with each other in Mahindra a few seasons back. Yakubu has still not signed a contract with East Bengal this season and it is known that Yakubu has been offered by Bagan with a 10% hike from his present fees in East Benagl. Yakubu ahs not decided yet and he has asked officials of both the clubs to give him time to think. If however, Yakubu does sign for Bagan, and Bhutia for East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will not have to pay each other a sum of 10 lakhs transfer fee since that rule is not applicable for foreign players and Baichung Bhutia.

It is further reported that Bagan officials have also offered Rahim Nabi. Nabi has been offered 27 lakhs from East Bengal and the captaincy for this year. Nabi has been persistent that wants a contract worth 30 lacs.

Manju signs for Bagan!

2009-05-16T00:46:00.003+05:30

N.S. Manju today signed for Bagan to stay yet another season at Mohun Bagan. Manju had a more or less good seasonat Mohun Bagan, scoring some important goals and performing his defensive responsibilities to best of his ability.

Manju, after the season had ended, was not initially willing to stay at Bagan as he wanted to leave so as to play along with Venkatesh. However, club officials have done their part and retained them for another season. Last year too, Manju had insisted on leaving Bagan. The atmosphere at Bagan and the contract however has made sure that Manju would stay yet another season at Bagan and take care of the Bagan defense along with Deepak Mondal.

Alas it is ALAHS! A Must Read for all Soccer Fans!

2009-05-15T00:55:00.006+05:30

If your hangdog husband cries “Alas” every time his football team loses, know that he is suffering from ‘Alahs’...
Wives and girlfriends of fanatical football fans are probably inured to their partners turning into characters from a Bret Easton Ellis novel whenever their team loses. But supporters of the Gunners may have displayed symptoms of what is being dubbed “Arsenal Lost At Home Syndrome” (ALAHS) after the team were soundly beaten 3-1 last Wednesday night by Manchester United.
Despite the name, the syndrome can affect supporters of any losing team. Tell-tale signs include depression, frenzied sobbing, head-butting the wall, throwing heavy objects through the window (especially the television set during a live match), impotence, and — potentially — premature death. In 2003, a study revealed that after a home defeat, male fatalities from heart attacks and strokes increase by 30 per cent.
“Having your football team lose is an extreme stressor,” explains Dr Daniel Freeman, a consultant clinical psychologist. “Hence, for example, the 25 per cent increase in hospital admissions for heart attacks which was recorded following England’s loss to Argentina in the World Cup penalty shoot-out in 1998.”
Company director Andy Lucey, 36, a fanatical Arsenal supporter for 20 years, has it luckier than many. These days, when his side loses, he merely goes into an unresponsive, catatonic state for two days. “I retreat into my own world if they lose, in a major sulk. I can’t explain how much it hurts. It’s just utter, utter numbness and desolation. You must not attempt to communicate with me or even look at me when this happens. I even unplug the phone so as to guarantee I’m incommunicado.”
His live-in girlfriend, Claire, has learnt to adopt certain coping strategies. “On match days, I become really uptight. It’s too stressful to sit with Andy if Arsenal are on television, so I go upstairs and, from there, listen to him screaming uncontrollably at the set. I pray, ‘Please God, let them win!’.
“If he’s away watching a match, I have to find out the score to gauge how to react when he returns. If Arsenal have lost, he’s really, really bad. You see it in his incredibly tense body language as soon as he opens the door. When this happens, the rules are: don’t make eye contact; don’t speak to him unless spoken to; don’t even try to calm him. Just stay well away.”
According to Rita Wright, a psychodynamic counsellor who regularly treats supporters of the disorder: “The psyche of today’s males has changed dramatically. With modern gender roles confused — men aren’t now automatically the breadwinners and can often be subordinate to high-achieving women — many feel pretty lost, with a fragile sense of self. What little they do have is often redirected onto their football team. In effect, they are Arsenal. Therefore, when Arsenal fails, they feel that they themselves have failed.”
But why should such extreme reactions be unique to football fans? Why, for example, weren’t living rooms around the country full of sullen Roger Federer fans after his defeat in last year’s Wimbledon final?
According to psychiatrist Cosmo Hallstrom, it’s because football is a uniquely primitive, tribal spectator sport. “Loyalty to a club usually starts young when, as a child, you get induced into the ‘tribe’ by receiving your first football shirt; opposing teams are effectively your tribal enemies. The supporters’ zeal can become religious in fervour. As a young doctor in Liverpool, I remember a badly injured young man being admitted. In extremis, he asked to see Bill Shankly instead of a priest.”
Medical professionals are divided over treatment. Some suggest cognitive behaviour therapy to influence those otherwise uncontrollable emotions, others prescribe match-day sex as a quick-fix solution, as this helps boost mood-enhancing oxytocin levels. However, it might prove tricky, as a medical survey suggested that a man’s testosterone levels plunges by 27 per cent immediately after his team’s defeat.
So for those who do take their team’s defeats to heart, the most obvious solution appears to be: why not support a more successful side instead? But to suggest to a football fan that he change his allegiance may well send his blood pressure through the roof.
“In truth, all you can really do is give him a wide berth,” says psychiatrist Dr Shamila Moodley, “and be grateful that the season is nearly over.”
MICHAEL HEWETT: THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Bagan asks Bhutia to show cause!

2009-05-14T23:09:00.002+05:30

Mohun Bagan today asked Bagan captain Bhaichung Bhutia to show cause for missing club practice sessions during the season. Bhaichung had been busy participating in a dance reality show on Television during the fag end of the 2008-09 season. A crucial time when Bagan were on hot pursuit for the I League title chasing Churchill Bros. Though at the time, Karim Benchariffa, the Bagan coach had said that Bhaichung had taken leave after taking his permission, club in the letter has said that Bhaichung had taken permission from the coach, but not from the club and for his absence, the club has suffered.

Moreover, Bhaichung also missed out on the exhibition match held in Jalpaiguri last week end.

Bagan has asked Bhutia to show cause for such absence.

Bagan sign Genius, Micky!

2009-05-09T23:47:00.003+05:30

With Mumbai FC dismantling its side, big clubs are fishing in players and Mohun Bagan has already roped in three Mumbai FC players. Bagan has already signed contracts with Riston Rodrigues and Koluthungan of Mumbai FC and the now the news is, Bagan has also signed Selwyn Fernandes. Selwyn Fernandes, who plays as a defensive midfielder has experience of laying in Kolkata. He had played for East Bengal a few seasons back was not successful. Hope he has developed since and put up a reformed performance this season dawning the green and maroon jersey.

However, the Big news is, Micky Fernandes has inked contract with Bagan for the coming season. Micky confessed that he had his eyes set on playing in Kolkata and for Mohun Bagan for last few seasons. This time, getting in touch with Debashish Dutta, he made no delay, though he says, East Bengal were up offering Micky, but he preferred Bagan.

Another signing that was completed was Zenith Genius of Churchill Brothers. the 23 year old RM was a regular under Karim Bencharifa in Churchill, but found hard to make it to the starting 11 under Zoran. The young Manipuri, has powerful shot and operates well on the right side.

It is heard, that JCT's Brazillian striker Eduardo Escobar might well be the third foreinger for Bagan this season. It is expected that will sign the contract with Bagan soon.

Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan are set to release Lukram James Singh, Sargolsem James Singh & Shylo Malswamtluanga from their current squad.

However, today after practice, the Bagan young goalie Shilton Pal requested the club officials to release him. The talented young goalie didnot get many appearances under his belt this season with Sangram Mukherjee in top form. He has offer from Chirag Utd and is willing to leave Bagan for Chirag.

Mohun Bagan battle to become Best in India! Wins Super Cup 2009!

2009-04-26T23:38:00.003+05:30

Mohun Bagan finish 2008-09 as the best in India!
2008-09 is a season that will not be forgotten any soon. Bagan has played 4 tournaments, in India and has emerged deserved Champions in 3 of them and runner up the one.
Today, Federation Cup winner, Mohun Bagan met I league winner Churchill Bros for the Super Cup tie in Gurgaon and emerged victorious to end the season on a high and beat the best in the country to capture that spot.
Bagan and Churchill both started the match cautiously, trying to measure each other. However, Bagan made more of the headway and Bhaichung was given a few opportunities to score but failed. However, Bagan drew first blood through Manju, whose looping header foxed the keeper who watched the ball drop inside the goal. Bagan took the lead in the 21st minute. Churchill started to pressurize thereafter but Bagan defense comprising of Habibur, Manju, Deepak and Mohunraj showed much discipline and cut off ball supply to Odafa, the highest goal scorer in the I League. Odafa and Deepak kept Odafa and Felix under strict vigilance and did not allow any space. However, at the very end of the first half, from a Vashum centre, the ball deflected of Deepak and rolled into the Bagan net. Churchill equalized.
The second half saw end to end action, both teams giving their best and both teams created chances and came to scoring a few occasions. Shilton Pal, who was trusted under the Bagan bar, came after a long injury lay off and pulled off some good saves to keep Bagan in the game.
Bagan kept up the pressure and Barreto was denied a definite penalty, when Churchill defender pulled the Brazilian ace down, as he made his was on his way to score the second for Bagan. Referee M. Suresh did not heed any plea for a penalty.
However, as they say, Cometh the hour, Cometh the man and in the 88th minute, from a Mohunraj centre, Barreto headed in the winner, but in the process injured himself. He hit his face against the defender in front of him and received a bad cut in his mouth. He was taken to the hospital soon after and according last news received from an official sources, Barreto has been reported to be doing okay.
Bagan met Churchill thrice this season and have defeated them twice while got beaten once.
Mohun Bagan earned their 2nd Super Cup title in just three appearances. Last time they had beaten Dempo SC, the then I League champion 4-0. Bagan has been once the undisputed Indian Champions, when they had won the Federation Cup and the I League in the same season.

Koluthungan and Riston Rodrigues leave Mumbai FC for Mohun Bagan!

2009-04-25T00:54:00.003+05:30

With Mumbai FC facing a financial dilemma, the heart of the club in the form of their central midfielders – Kalia Koluthungan and Riston Rodrigues have switched their loyalties to I-League runners-up Mohun Bagan.

While Riston signed up with the Green and Maroons on Sunday, Kulothungan put pen to paper only on Tuesday evening at his home in Thanjavur.

Riston said, “Just a fortnight back, Mumbai FC were offering me a good deal for the next three years but due to the problems the club is facing, I had no option but to move on.

“We had an informal meeting with the coach and some from the management told us to sign up if we get a good offer from other clubs rather than waiting for one at Mumbai FC.”

The 29 year old was approached by the likes of East Bengal and Pune FC as well but the medio opted for Mohun Bagan for getting to work under Coach Karim Bencherifa.

“Pune FC had approached but I can’t take any chances with a new club. You can’t trust new clubs any more as they can shut at any moment. Teams are Mohun Bagan are here to stay. I have signed for two years,” added Riston.

Kulothungan too added that the confusion at Mumbai FC meant that he had to look out for offers. The 29 year old had a great season with Mumbai FC scoring seven goals in the I-League and thereby in contention for the Best Midfielder of the season award.

“I have signed for a year with Mohun Bagan and have informed our coach David Booth as he had asked us to keep him posted if we do sign elsewhere,” said Kulothungan.

Several other players are also on the radar of other I-League clubs and it remains to be seen what Mumbai FC are to conjure up to deal with this imminent problem.

Source: Goal.com

A depleted Bagan side let in six!

2009-04-23T09:49:00.000+05:30

Jehad Al-Hussien Fadel scored a hattrick as Kuwait SC blanked Mohun Bagan 6-0 in their AFC Cup group D match at the Kuwait SC Stadium in Kuwait Tuesday. The defeat put an end to Bagan’s AFC Cup run. The winners led 4-0 at half-time. According to information received here, Fadel drew the first blood in the 10th minute and netted the second in the 22nd. Frontliner Farag Laheeb Saad added two more in the 34th and 39th respectively, before Fadel got his third in the 72nd. Six minutes later the Kuwaitis got their sixth goal when Bagan defender NS Manju scored an own goal. This was Bagan’s fourth defeat on the trot in the cup.

Mohun Bagan finish second best! Suspending 4 key players pays off for AIFF!

2009-04-16T20:03:00.007+05:30

Mohun Bagan had nothing to lose going into the match with needing nothing short of a miracle. Churchill losing point to Mohd. Sp., who are fighting relegation and Bagan winning the match against M.U with a broken team, four first team players suspended in the last match, courtesy referee Rizuanur- was something impossible.Churchill thumped 6 goals past the Mohd. Sp. keeper and became the I league champions and Bagan finished Runners Up, three points short, following their loss against M.U.
Surprising? not really! It was a well executed 'plan' by AIFF. A Churchill official is incidentally a high official in the AIFF. AIFF made sure Bagan do not go into the match with their full strength side, just to play safe.
In the last match, referee Rizuanur showed 4 yellow cards to 4 Bagan players, all key players in Karim's scheme of things erasing Bagan's hope of a miracle. Marcos, Masih, Manju, two midfield players and a CB along with Lakamal had to sit out. While Vasan came in Manju's place and makeshift midfielder, Rahul Kumar and an out of place James singh hopelessly tried to cope with MU attacks.
The Television commentators were heard complaining that MU were missing the services of the out of form N.P. Pradeep. Very insightful piece of commentary indeed, but they missed to mention, even for a second that Bagan were lacking the services of three inform players- Marcos, Masih and Manju.
About the match though, Bagan really didnot settle into the match from the beginning. It was 10 mins in when the news came in that Churchill were leading 2-0 against Mohd. Sp. and that meant no matter what Bagan would do, they would still remain the runners' up, unless they take in a dozen of goals so as to allow Sporting Clube slip past them.
Bagan though tried to score, the midfield and defense really failed them today. Too many balls were played through the defense, as sorry to say, Vasan really doesnot deserve to play in the Mohun Bagan defense. From one such balls, played in between Deepak and Odafe, Deepak failed to connect and Edeh Chidi taking Odafe in his stride took Sangram away from the goal and placed the ball into the net through the right of the keeper.
However, Bagan came close to scoring first through Bhaichung, but it was not to be, no gifts for guessing...its the Mr. Referee again. This is the third time in a span of 4 matches(against Chirag Utd, Dempo, Mahindra) that Bhaichung's goal has been disallowed. Mere coincidence? Not conspiracy for sure, I hope.

The second half saw, few changes- Branco IN, Rahul Kumar OUT; Lalram IN, Mama OUT. One still felt Karim would have done better had he sacrificed Vasan, and brought in Deepak in CB, send Rahul Kumar to LB and bring in Branco. However, Karim later had to bring Deepak in CB, when Odafe, injured replaced Mohunraj, who went in LB.
Bagan thought tired to restore parity, defense and a malfunctioning midfield didnot allow Bagan to settle down and play their game. Mahindra kept up the tempo and the defense allowed too much space for MU forwards. Edeh Chidi was left free on a number of occasions and he made Bagan pay as from one such opportunity, he drove in a ball home from the top of the box, completely unmarked.
After the second goal went in, news came in from Goa that Mohd. Sp has pulled one back. Bagan as it seemed were up and willing to do something, but to no avail. Bhaichung and Barreto did show some sparks of personal brilliance, but were soon out numbered in the crowd of MU players in their own half.
Bagan came close to scoring when Branco glanced a ball goalwards, but luck favoured the MU goalie as the ball struck his boot and went out. Bagan continued their bona fide attempts to score and in the 90th minute, from a Ishfaq centre, Barreto magnificently glanced a header goalwards, but just as the keeper thought he had saved it with a diving effort, Branco slid in and scored an opportunistic goal.
Bagan retained their second spot and ended on 43 points along with Sporting Clube de Goa, but lead them in goal difference.
Again Goal difference? only difference...its for the better this time for Karim!

I will probably play my last game in Green and Maroon colours: Bhaichung

2009-04-15T17:33:00.005+05:30

Indian football captain Baichung Bhutia is all keyed up. He has led the country and his club Mohun Bagan with reasonable success this season and is now waiting for a fitting end to it. Of course, he is aware that even a win against Mahindra United in the Capital on Thursday, the last day of the I-League, may not ensure his team the title. Never one to shirk challenges, Bhutia talks about the season that is all set for a climactic finish. Excerpts:

On the threshold of winning the first I-League title for Mohun Bagan, what are your feelings and predictions? If it happens, it will be fantastic for me as well as the team. This season, Mohun Bagan have won everything they have played. And now, we are in a strange situation. It’s tight and very absorbing as well. I am hoping to win the match and then see...

After 10 wins on the trot in I-League, where did Bagan lose ground to Churchill Brothers? It was the Churchill match in Goa. We lost 3-1, played very badly. I was suspended. Barreto got injured. That loss turned out to be very crucial and has made all the difference.

How did the overall season go? I couldn’t have asked for a better season. India did very well this season and so did my club. My contribution in both causes has been quite satisfactory. It will be overwhelming if we could manage to win the league now.

How is your body responding to such a gruelling season? Right now it feels very tiring. Travelling has taken a huge toll on all of us. There has been hardly any time to recover. We have been flying in and out for AFC Cup matches as well.

Is your body saying ‘how long’ or is it saying ‘carry on’? Well, it’s not that bad. At the end of the season every player is tired. Actually, now mental fatigue is catching up. If at the start of the season my body starts asking questions, then I will know it is time to take a call.

For the first time, a foreign coach could win the I-League. Do you think, it’s going to become a trend from now on? I can’t say about that. But Karim Bencherifa (Bagan coach) has done a great job and the results are there for everyone to see. He has handled the pressure very well considering that it was his first season in Kolkata. But one thing is for sure, to win anything a coach has to have a good team. The signings must be good during the transfers.

What is Dempo or Churchill’s recipe for success? They have kept the same group for a long time. In fact, Churchill are reaping the fruits of Bencherifa’s hard work. Suppose Bagan bring in 15 new players next season, the team is unlikely to find much success. How has 12 years of NFL helped the national team? I have always believed that club coaches produce players. Wayne Rooney was not the product of Fabio Capello or Sven-Goran Eriksson. He is an Everton product. Our clubs must realize this. Karim can claim that he has made Rakesh Masih but how many club coaches can claim to have done that? Most of them (coaches) hardly give opportunities to new players. And all clubs have foreigners in the striking position. The federation (AIFF) has to address this issue.

Will you ever return to East Bengal? At the moment I am happy with Bagan and I have a year’s contract to serve. But the possibility of joining East Bengal is bleak. Unless something drastic happens, I will probably play my last game in Green-and-Maroon colours.

No emotions left for the red-and-gold shirt? I have very good memories with East Bengal and also equally bad memories. I would rather leave it at that.

How is the players’ association doing? It is doing well and slowly growing. But the players’ association is a new concept in our country and has not been fully accepted as yet. The clubs and the AIFF must realize that the association is there to help, it is not their enemy
Source: Times of India

Trophies are what matter: Bagan coach Bencherifa

2009-04-14T13:47:00.004+05:30

"Well, what now?" Karim Bencherifa could only come up with a chuckle from long-distance. It was the morning-after syndrome. Mohun Bagan have notched a miraculous victory in the I-League on Sunday night and the team’s Moroccan coach was going through the newspapers, trying to soak in all that had been written. As the proxy war with Churchill Brothers for the I-League title continues, Bencherifa opened his heart to TOI.

Excerpts:

Your first season in Kolkata wasn’t that bad. Are you satisfied?

A: One can’t be satisfied because that means the start of the downfall. I think we could have done better both in AFC and I-League, where I think we still have a chance to win. Having said that, I don’t want to take anything out of what the team did during this season. It was a long tough season, especially given our small operational group. I feel proud that Bagan have taken the lead to end Kolkata football’s struggle - this was the best season for Bagan since 2001 and the best for any Kolkata club in the last 5 years.

Between Goa and Kolkata, where do you think is the work atmosphere better?

A: For me it does not matter. I am a professional coach and I should give my best wherever I am, no matter what the working atmosphere is. It’s definitely different but not necessarily better here or there. Pressure is tremendous on the Kolkata teams. Sometimes people have unrealistic expectations; winning every game, winning every competition. It is simply impossible. But what is strange is that some of these people are part of the football fraternity and also claim to understand the game. You just look at Mohun Bagan this season. We are the most successful team in the city but yet we are the most criticised in Kolkata by a section of the media, some ex-players and even some coaches. In contrast, the football community all over India highlights and praises our team. This does not help the cause of Bengal’s football.

Do you think that one match (against East Bengal) scuppered your calculations in the I-League?

A: Not really. If we are finding it difficult in the home stretch of the I-League, it’s because of the first five games where we did not win even one match. I know some coaches can claim success because of one match but I am not that lucky. My club is more demanding. My club wants trophies not only one match!

Do you think the city attaches too much importance to one match?

A: It is normal for the fans to give importance to derby matches but we as professionals have to keep it in perspective as well. I don’t think I will keep my job just by winning only against East Bengal. Trophies are what matters in football.

How difficult is it playing in Asia and the I-League simultaneously with the roster that Indian teams have?

A: Extremely difficult. Especially when the "operational group" is too small; players can’t play 100% games of the season. Take for example Cristiano Ronaldo. He started only 60% of the games last season because there are good replacements for him. For us, we don’t have any replacements for players like Baichung Bhutia, Jose Barreto, Ishfaq Ahmed, Marcos, Deepak Mondal. The replacements need time to mature.

Don’t you think that coaches should have more say in team building?

What are your plans for the coming season?

A: Sometimes it is not possible because the coach can be changed in the middle of the season or can be hired after the crucial transfer market. So, the coach must have the ability to work with what he has.

You have worked with the best strikers on show. Who has impressed you most?

A: Odafa, Mboyo, Baichung, Barreto, even the youngster Branco all are good strikers - each one of them has his own approach to the game and has strengths but all of them are effective and can get you goals. I enjoyed working with each of them.

Lastly, do you think I-League is the answer to India’s footballing woes?

A: I-League is definitely a strong asset for Indian football. National team is another one and youth development is the forgotten one. If you take a look at the three assets, they are closely linked to each other. They have to go all together without one harming the other one because all are a must for any progress to happen.

Source: Times of India

Manju keeps Bagan hoping, Churchill waiting!

2009-04-12T22:21:00.004+05:30

Bagan today had a tough home match against Dempo SC at the Barasat Stadium and needed to win to keep their title hopes alive and take the 2008-09 I League right to the wire. Now the situation is such that the title will be decided on the last day of the League, when Bagan meet Mahindra Utd. in Delhi and Churchill Bros. meet Mohd. Sp in Goa.
Bagan today wrested a vital win from the jaws of a draw. The draw would have ended Bagan dreams for winning the I League, but Bagan defender N.S. Manju made sure Bagan fans have a good nights sleep as a clinched the winner in the last minute of the game.
Bagan, who this season had won the two previous encounters with Dempo, (once in the first leg in Goa and then in the Federation Cup final) were determined to win this match and extend their tally to 13 wins in this I League. Bagan went on the offensive and played some good football in the first half. Though Dempo tried to grip the match, Bagan drew first blood through Barreto in the 28th minute.
Bhaichung scored again, but it was over-ruled by the referee. The referee seemed a bit too biased towards the Goan side as a lot of Dempo tackles went unnoticed.
Dempo though had their share of chances in the first half, Bagan also came close to scoring on a number of occasions through Ishfaq, Barreto and Bhaichung, but they were not accurate.
In the second half, after Dempo dramatically took the field late than usual, continued with their tough tackles and went grossly unnoticed, instead Marcos was shown a yellow card and he will have to sit for the last match.
However, Dempo's attempts paid off when Ranty Martins headed in the equaliser. Bagan seemed a thunderstruck and were lacking in ideas over a stretch of time, but Barreto & Co. like professionals with their "never say die" attitude kept testing the Dempo defense and Barreto, Bhaichung kept the Dempo custodian Abhijit busy under the bar.
on the 93rd minute, however, Barreto chipped in a ball and Manju headed in the winner.
Sangram to under the Bagan bar stood tall and denied the Dempo forwards on a number of occasions.

Barreto gets back passport, Bagan’s match rescheduled!

2009-04-11T18:18:00.001+05:30

Mohun Bagan striker Jose Ramirez Barreto today got back his passport after a court ruling was issued in this regard. “Barasat Court today issued a directive to hand him (Barreto) over his passport,” Mohun Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra said. The Brazilian’s passport was confiscated after he was arrested in March 2008 at the Kolkata airport for allegedly carrying dollars in excess of the permissible amount. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan’s AFC Cup match against the Syrian outfit Al Karama, which was earlier scheduled on May 7, will now be played on May 19 at the Howrah Stadium. The match had to be rescheduled with the fixture clashing with Lok Sabha polls in Howrah. Mohun Bagan will play their away tie against Al Wihdat of Jordan at King Abdullah International Stadium on May 5. Bagan are languishing at the bottom of Group D and are yet to open their account.

George Telegraph's Shubha Kumar may play for Bagan next season!

2009-04-09T01:32:00.004+05:30

After a successful season with George Telegraph last year in the Kolkata Football League, Shubho Kumar had caught the attention of many and the veteran Prasun Bhattacharya went to extent of saying that Shubho Kumar should immediately be signed by Mohun Bagan in order to render more stabilty to their midfield. However, as the transfer window opens in a few weeks, already players are entering into negotiations with the clubs and the news is that the much sought after player in Kolkata, Shubho Kumar who has had offers from all the three clubs of Kolkata, has showed his interest to play for Bagan and according to Shubo Kumar himself, the negotiation is in progress with the Bagan officials and high chances are that he would be signing for Bagan for the coming season.
Media reports also suggest that Bagan have offered Chirag's left half back Snehashish.
In the coming season, the Kolkata Footbal League and the I League will be played simultaneously, so Bagan will have to sign a number of quality players who can render stability to the side in the Local league, because key players will be rested for the KFL in order to keep them fresh for the I League matches.

Bagan choke against Kuwait SC

2009-04-07T22:24:00.008+05:30

Mohun Bagan today met Kuwait SC for the AFC Cup 2009 tie at the Howrah stadium and Bagan are yet to collect a single at the end of three matches with a goal difference -2.

Unlike the other three matches, for Karim preferred to rest his key players, todays match Karim considered to be an important match for keeping the hopes alive for advancing to the next round. But today Bagan's performance without the least shadow of doubt was below par. May be the tight schedule brought by the incompetent AIFF is taking its toll on everybody.

Barreto, Marcos, Ishfaq and Sangram were either sick or had just recovered from their ailments yet they all played today to earn the valuable three points, which never came.

The match started with both teams trying to gauge each others' strengths and weaknesses. The first half was mainly confined to the middle of the field with both teams trying to control the match. An easy chance did come Bagan's way when due a defensive lapse, Bhaichung's marker fell behind and Bhaichung who was one on one with the advancing Kuwaiti goalie, some how kept his balance and fired wide of the goal. Barreto seemed off colour today and the Kuwait SC showed no mercy, flying in with hard challenges.

However, the match took a wild turn when Marcos flew in with a fair sliding tackle and won the ball cleanly off a Kuwaiti player. The referee signalled for Play On, but the other Kuwaiti players rushed towards Marcos and started pushing and shoving. Marcos retaliated and suddenly the entire Kuwait SC team staff entered the field. The referee took control of the situation and issued a yellow card for both Marcos and his Kuwaiti counterpart. The first half ended goalless.

The second half began with Bagan trying to squeeze something out but from a free kick, in the 68th minute, Kuwait scored.

After conceding the goal, Bagan did try to comeback but the efforts seemed to inadequate. However, it must be said, Kuwait SC were a good defensive lot today. They successfully foiled any attacks built by Bagan through the centre of the field, and its pretty obvious Bagan is lacking quality side backs. Dipak Mondal is playing the role of a left back, when it is apparent that he cannot over lap and even if he does, he cannot send in quality centres!

Malsaumtulunga, who came in place of James Singh in the 2nd half was totally inactive down the left flank. Bagan were chocked themselves to death for the remainder of the match.

Mystery fever grips Bagan!

2009-04-04T09:55:00.003+05:30

A mystery fever is giving Mohun Bagan coach Karim Bencharifa a frown. Three of his first team players — Jose Ramirez Barreto, Ishfaq Ahmed and Marcos Perreira — are down with fever and doctors have failed to diagnose the cause.
It started with Marcos earlier this week and seemed to have passed on to Barreto and Ishfaq. The two Brazilians played with high fever against Vasco in the I-League match on Thursday and are running against time to be fit for Tuesday’s AFC Cup home match against Kuwait SC.
Ishfaq complained of a sore throat just before the kick-off on Thursday, but decided to start. But the fever seems to have taken a toll and may skip Saturday’s practice session to recuperate.
“They are too weak to play right now. But we are hoping all three of them will be fit before the Tuesday’s tie,” a Bagan source said.
It might be recalled that the Bagan camp was affected by conjunctivitis before I-League’s first-leg match against East Bengal.
The red-and-gold brigade did create a ruckus and asked the match commissioner to bar players from playing with that contagious disease. The matter was later amicably settled. Bagan’s goalkeeper Shilton Paul, in fact, was seen constantly wiping his eyes and was quoted as saying that he could not see Syed Rahim Nabi slipping in to score the equaliser. Paul was later substituted Source: The Telegraph

Bagan thrash Vasco to keep the heat on Churchill!

2009-04-02T20:26:00.003+05:30

Bagan with just three games left for the I League, Bagan needed to win all three to keep Churchill under pressure and today Karim Benchariffa, though had some early jitters convincingly pushed Vasco aside thumping 3 goals.

Bagan seemed to play into Vasco and let Vasco take the initiative at the beginning. Vasco came up with a few attacks and once lofted a ball over the Bagan custodian to strike the post. That came as a rude awakening call and from then on, Bagan put on the pressure. Mohun Bagan utilised the right flank to its fullest and Barreto playing along with Lukaram James sent in a few quality balls. The first chance for Bagan came when, from a Marcos centre, Manju headed a ball goalwards, but the Vasco goalie showed good reflex to keep the ball out.

Within minutes, from the right, Barreto played a perfect ball for Ishfaq, who had the keeper at his mercy, but the Kashmiri could not head it in.

Finally, the goal came and through Ishfaq it was. Same clever little ball ball played in by Barreto to Ishfaq, who just headed in the ball.

Bagan went into the half with that one goal.

In the second half again, Bagan was allowing Vasco settle, but that's when Barreto-Bhaichung magic blinded the Vasco defense. Bhaichung played a beautiful controlled through ball on the top of the penalty box, which was met precisely by Barreto, running diagonally and then after completely wrong footing the keeper, thumped in the 2nd goal.

10 minutes from regulation time, Manju scored his second goal of the I League, when he met a centre by Marcos at the far post. Manju came out of no where to stroke the ball in and himself collided with the post and fell. However, he stood up after some attention and played the match through.

Bagan are now on 40 points.

Team: Sangram, Odafe, Manju, Dipak, Habibur, James, Masih(Lalkamal), Marcos, Ishfaq, Barreto(Branco), Bhaichung

SMS Updates!

2009-03-28T23:56:00.007+05:30

Now get SMS updates about your Favourite club...Mohun Bagan AC! Just Register your Mobile Number with tagg.in and join the group Mohun_Bagan_AC and get regular news on Mohun Bagan AC! any questions mail me : soumyadeb@mohunbagan.tk

Bagan let go of a golden opportunity!

2009-03-28T20:43:00.003+05:30

Bagan needed to win their last 4 matches to keep the heat on Churchill Brothers for the League title. For Bagan in order to win the League, Churchill would have to loose a point from their remaining two matches, two rather easy matches against Air India and Mohd. Sporting, two teams languishing at the bottom half of the League table.

Today Mohun Bagan met JCT in Ludhiana for the 19th match and it Karim knew it would be no a walk in the park as JCT are a good side, and this season since they didnot have a good outing, the slightest possibility of them being relegated has sparked off some brilliant performances of late. At home, JCT would be a stiff competitor as they had defeated Sporting Clube de Goa last weak 2-0. Churchill Bros. also had their 21st match today against Air India in Mumbai.

Bagan started on an attacking note, making their intention clear that they have come for three points and their efforts were paid off. As early as in the 8th minute of the match, Manju stabbed in a free ball in front of the JCT goal which was sent in from a corner.

Bagan it seemed had done their job and became a bit complacent and JCT stepped on the gas and came up with a few positive moves and Bagan was lucky not to conceded from on such occasions, when the ball came off the Bagan post. Manju, however, came up with a goal line clearance at the closing stages of the 1st half.

Bagan had their share of chances too but Ishfaq and Bhaichung were way ward with their attempts, otherwise Bagan could have doubled their lead.

The second half saw Jct's Edu take the field and it was clear from Sukhwinder that JCT had no intentions of letting Bagan go away with three points.

It was action packed game with end to end action ensuring enough chances for both the teams to score but both teams lacked finishing. Edu missed a couple of chances and so did Bhaichung and Barreto.

However, in the 78th minute, JCT equalised through an own goal by Rahul Kumar, who otherwise had a good game on the right back position with good overlapping runs and sending in precise centres.

Karim did bring on Branco, 10 minutes from regulation time, but to no avail.

It seems of late, the team is suffering from conceding late goals. The team is becoming too complacent after the one goal lead and that is showing in their game and allowing the opposition to get on top of them.

Bagan however did not surrender to the fate and tried to squeeze the winner and in the injury time, Barreto's header struck the bar.

However, Bagan has been given another chance by Churchill. Technically, had Churchill won their match today against Air India, Bagan practically would not have had any chances for the League title. But Churchill today after taking the lead in the injury time of the first half, conceded a 90th minute goal to share points with Air India and to keep Bagan hopes alive. Bagan has to shrug off their complacent attitude and move on with their remaining games and win the remaining three matches and hope that Churchill give them an early Christmas gift in their last match.

Karim extends his contract as Bagan coach!

2009-03-27T01:19:00.006+05:30

His first year as a coach in Kolkata, that too of the National club of India, Mohun Bagan AC, has been nothing short of excellent and hence Karim Bencharifa was offered another year to remain as the head coach of Mohun Bagan. Karim, however, pleased with the club's atmosphere, his cordial relation with the club official and happy with the love and affection he received from the Bagan fans, have decided to oblige and accepted the offer. Today, before he flew off to Ludhiana with his team to play JCT away from home, Karim Bencharifa signed a fresh contract with Mohun Bagan for another year, according to sources in the media.

However, Bagan officials are hopping that retaining Karim as the coach might help them recruit some quality players for the next season, as till now, Karim has been a successful coach in the Indian domestic circuit and players have high regard for the Moroccan coach.

Though according to sources, Karim have had a number of offers from both Indian and foreign clubs, Karim has stuck with Bagan and even the officials preferred Karim because of his so far successful stretch at Bagan and also because he has been able to maintain a healthy relationship with the Officials and also with the players, in times of crisis and in times of joy!

We wish Karim Bencharifa a successful 2009-10 season at Mohun Bagan!

Bagan edge past Chirag to keep title hopes afloat

2009-03-23T20:53:00.004+05:30

Mohun Bagan having five more matches to end their I League campaign are faced with the task of winning all the five matches just to be in the contention for the title, but still, to win the I League they have to pray that Churchill SC who are heading the table with just two matches left, do something really silly and may be give Bagan a sneak at the League title.
Bagan today were faced with the Chirag challenge and overcame Subrata Bhattacharya's boys, but United SC boys did not go down with out a fight.
From the minute the game started, Chirag were clear with their intention of not conceding a goal with eleven Chirag players defending in their own half, giving Barreto and Bhaichung no place to move. Bagan were compelled to play with the aerial ball but to no avail. Barreto and Bhaichung seemed ineffective upfront and the forest of legs inside the Chirag penalty box made life miserable for the Bagan forwards. Chirag did come out with some counter-attacks but Dipak and Manju were up to the task.
However, at the stroke of the half time, the inevitable happened. Chirag'splan of crowding the penalty box failed themselves as from a corner, Bhaichung headed a ball goal wards, and Chirag defender Arnab managed to put out his leg and push the ball in the back of his own net. Bagan went into the lemon break being a goal in front.
The second half had no surprises as Bagan kept trying to penetrate the Chirag wall, but failed and Chirag kept building their attacks by trying to catch Bagan on the break. Midway into the second half, Tulunga was virtually ineffective on the right flank, and was he was in urgent need of substitution, but Karim waited on on his options. Mohunraj kept chipping in with his blunders and giving Chirag chances to equalise, but Dipak and Sangram were upto the task. However, in the 75th minute, Chirag equalised through Snehahish, who was let in by Habibur and his left footer beat the diving Sangram.
Barely five minutes from regulation time, Bagan earned a free kick on the right flank. Marcos sent in a beautiful in swinging ball, which was met precisely by Bhaichung and sent in.
Again in the dying moments, from a ball from the right, Bhaichung headed in another goal, but was disallowed due to an apparent foul, which was never committed.

Team: Sangram, Habibur, Dipak, Manju, Mohanraj, Tulunga, Masih, Marcos, Ishfaq, Barreto, Baichung

Bagan fail to win after taking the lead against Al Widhat!

2009-03-17T20:47:00.008+05:30

Bagan today came out to play against Al Widhat in their second AFC match and Bagan were no doubt impressive. From the beginning of the match it did not seem that the Indian team was cowed down by any pressure. In fact, with only Bhaichung Bhutia upfront, Bagan played much offensive and Bhaichung did take in a few shots but missed the target. Some quality flank play was exhibited by James and Ishfaq with their penetrative runs, but lacked the finishing. Rahul Kumar on the right flank matched well with James and together they sent in a few quality balls. And as early as in the 13th minute, Bhaichung, from one such balls, took the defense away with him and laid off a ball for Masih and the young mariner, took a shot in his stride that beat the keeper and tangled into the net. Bagan went 1-0 ahead, quite deserving.

However, it was clearly visible that Bhutia was lacking support upfront. His forward runs evading Al widhat defenders were laid to waste as both Lalkamal and Ishfaq were unable to read Bhaichung's moves.

Going one goal down, the Jordan team stepped on the gas and started playing some good ground football and after stringing together a few passes, sent in a centre at the second post, from where an AL Widhat player headed in a free header. AL Widhat equalised barely 5 mins after Masih scored.

Bagan still kept up the tempo tried to score a second, but quite against the run of play almost at the end of the 1st half, Al Widhat doubled their lead. The Al Widhat player took a shot on the turn and beat a diving Sangram.

The half ended 1-2 in favour of Al Widhat.

The second half started and Bagan still tried to get that equaliser. Karim put in Marcos in place of Lalkamal and Mama in place of James at the beginning of the second half and Mama with his short stature dodged into the Al Widhat penalty box in more one occasion and really kept the right wing active.

AL Widhat attacked in in intervals, but Sangram was good under the bar saving two well struck free kicks.

Near the end of the match, from a free kick, Rakesh Masih headed a ball goal wards, but unfortunately, hit the post and went wide.

Branco was introduced in place of Lalram and playing after a long injury, Branco was looking bright.

In the second half, Al Widhat pursued time wasting strategies and snatched an important away 3points from India.

Team: Sangram, Odafe, Dipak, Mohunraj, Rahul, Lalkamal(Marcos), Masih, James(Mama), Ishfaq, Laram(Branco), Bhaichung

Karim not looking for a miracle agianst Al Wedhat!

2009-03-16T20:01:00.009+05:30

Bagan coach today reaffirmed his statement that AFC Cup 2009 is not his "priority", rather the I League is more important and he'd like to perform well in the remaining 6 matches of the I League and if possible win the league than ruining Bagan's chances of the League by giving stress on the AFC Cup. He also made clear that Bagan, has no doubt been placed in a tough group with all the three other teams hailing from countries which are ranked much better than India. In fact, today he placed Al Wedhat above Al Karameh and said it will be a tough match, even though at home. The boys did show surprise me in Syria by playing very well, but "Our opponents are not only physically strong, they are technically sound too", was Karim's reply to what are his chances in the AFC at the fag end of the season. He also laid stress that he is trying to keep fresh his key players, alot of new faces will feature in the Bagan squad in the AFC Cup. He may even rest Manju tomorrow. Marcos, who had picked up a slight injury, has been declared fit and if the coach feels, he may be fielded. Nothing was known about Bhaichung's pressence tomorrow, whether he will play or not, but sources claim, he may finally be in the starting 11, owing to the absence of Barreto, though both Bhaichung and Barreto were present in the practice session.

Mohun Bagan had a light training session at the Howrah Stadium today and then the visiting team, Al Wedhat spent some time on the pitch.

Al Wedhat had drawn their first match against Kuwait SC and incdentally they had also missed a penalty in that match in the 71st minute. The Al Wedhat coach claimed that he had seen Bagan's Al Karameh match and he thinks Bagan is a good side with professinal players who have potential and hope that tomorrow the two teams display some good football for the spectators to enjoy. Al Wedhat squad has 6 Jordan international players, but the team which had come to India has only two of them.

Last year they had defeated East Bengal in the group stage both at home and away matches and they boasted that this time they have an even better side.

A post match report! Al Karamah vs Mohun Bagan

2009-03-12T19:47:00.005+05:30

After the end of the match a press conference on the game was held. The Bagan Moroccan coach Karim Bencharifa shook hands at the beginning with Al Karamah Captain Mohammed Qweid Park and congratulated him on the win.
In question to the coach of the Indian team regarding the level of his team, he said that the team was over at a difficult and critical stage in the Indian league. They have not won the league since 2001 and this year they have a good chance of winning it and that they are on the top 3 and that they have had a magical run of 10 consecutive wins in the league and hence the players are having to work hard and thus the team is suffering from physical and mental fatigue which has affected few of the key players, forcing him to the play in this match 4 players who are between the age (20 to 22) years and that this was their first participation in an official match, and that these players have performed well and that too on one of the first games and they were outside India. He is pleased at the team's performance, especially playing against a great and an ancient team in an Asian competition and that too in front a large audience enthusiastic and hungry to win.

In response to a question on the penalty he said that we had a chance to take the lead but this doesnot mean we could have secured the win, and said that the missed penalty has greatly impacted the morale of his team and was a turning point in the game, and that his team was also suffering due to the absence of the Brazilian, who plays at the center of the attack and is leading the team(Barreto). About his opponent, Karim said, “Al Karama are a well known for their Asian experience,” he said. “We played against a good side and their fans played a big part. “We had a chance to take the lead from a spot kick but this doesn’t mean we could have secured the win. I’m satisfied with the performance.”

When asked about Mohun Bagan, Mohamad Kwid, who guided Al Karama to the 2006 Champions League final said, “Mohun Bagan were an organised side and they played well. I watched their recent matches and knew that they would be dangerous. Mohun Bagan had a golden chance to take the lead through the spot kick and things would have been harder had they scored.” He added “We had a lot of chances to score in the second half but the Indian goalkeeper(Sangram Mukherjee) played well.”

In the other Group D match, Al Kuwait coach Laurent Banide was pleased the Kuwait League champions returned from their trip to Jordan with a point despite despite taking a first half lead against Al Wehdat through Faraj Laheeb. Amer Deeb earned the home side a point as he netted seven minutes after the hour mark. “After taking an early lead we continued to control the game but Al Wehdat attacked us well and even though we conceded the equaliser we held on to the point,” said the Frenchman. “We are in a tough group and earning an away point against a tough team is good from our opening match.” Al Wihdat were left to rue a missed opportunity to claim all three points as Al Kuwait goalkeeper Khalid Al Fadhli saved Mahmoud Shelbaieh’s 71st minute penalty. “We played against a big team who played well and their players were impressive. We didn’t play well in the first half as the players lacked concentration,” said assistant coach Jamal Mahmoud “In the second half we used the flanks and we managed to get back by scoring the equaliser before we had a chance to take the lead but Shelbaieh failed to score from the spot.”

Source: Al Karamah fan site

Mighty Al Karameh struggle to get past an indfferent Bagan side!

2009-03-11T00:50:00.007+05:30

Mohun Bagan had decided to give more importance to the I League and keep aside their AFC Cup aspirations keeping in mind that they are on pursuit of the Indian league and also considering the fact that they have been placed in a group of high profile Middle East teams.
However, after the first away match against the Syrian club Al Karameh, which boasts of making it to the finals of the AFC Champions Legue two years ago, Bagan coach will have to re-consider his decision of sacrificing the clubs AFC Cup hopes for the I League.
An indifferent and make shift Bagan team, with Barreto, Dipak and Habibur out, could have easily come home with three points from Syria inspite of the fact that Al Karameh had 9 Syrian National team players in their side and a support of a huge amount of home supporters egging them on.
With Rahul Kumar and Mohunraj as the two side backs, Odafe and Manju as RCB and LCB, the defense was below ordinary, missing the likes of Dipak and Habibur. A Bagan side without Barreto is never complete and today's team was no exception. Lalram Luaha, last played on September 12, 2008 in the last the CFL match, was replaced in place of Barreto. Yet, Mohun Bagan gave their best and went down by a solitary goal in the 59th minute of the match and now when Bagan will be hosting the Syrian side in Kolkata for the second leg, they do have a match in their hands.
It was however an even contest with Bagan getting chances to score in the first half on a number of occasions. Both Mama and Masih came close to scoring, but couldnot find the back of the net! However, the best chance came in the 43rd minute, when Bagan earned a penalty. Fortune was against the Kolkata side, as the reliable Marcos Perriera hit the Al Karameh gaolie.
The Bagan team showed a lot of positive intent today and seemed much more relaxed and composed. Sangram stood tall under the Bagan bar making some great saves. The second Leg promises to be an interesting clash with Al Karameh having a solitary home goal to defend.
We can only hope that in Bagan's Home match, Mohun Bagan get out there with the best they have and nail the Syrian side just as the Indian National team did to Syria in the Nehru Cup Final!
Team: Sangram, Mohanraj, Manju, Peter Odafe, Rahul Kumar, Ishfaq, Marcos Pereira, Rakesh Masih, Tulunga, Lalramluaha, and Bhaichung (captain).

Mohun Bagan leave for Damascus

2009-03-07T10:21:00.004+05:30

Mohun Bagan today will leave for Damascus to meet Syria's Al Karama in their 2009 AFC tie. Al Kamara, like Bagan is one of the oldest football clubs of Asia and is a hot contender for this year's AFC Cup.

Barreto out with a back injury will be replaced by Bhaichung Bhutia, but Bagan without Barreto, the team is down on confidence. Karim has been trying hard to revive the players from the two back to back defeats in the I League. Bagan coach confessed that this will be a very tough match for Bagan without Barreto, but also mentioned that AFC Cup, as of now, is not their priority- its the I League that is more important.

On Barreto's injury, the doctors opined that Barreto will be match fit after atleast 15 days. That means, Bagan will miss the services of the magician in the first two AFC cup ties and probably the match against Chirag Utd.

Bagan will be leaving for Syria with almost the same team that played against Churchill Brothers.

Bagan's title hope fading at a distance!

2009-03-05T19:07:00.008+05:30

Mohun Bagan’s dream of winning the I-League suffered a massive jolt when they lost 1-3 to Churchill Brothers in Margao on Wednesday.
After Jose Ramirez Barreto put the visitors ahead with in the 29th minute, Churchill skipper Odafe Okolie’s header restored parity at the stroke of half time. Man of the match Ogba Kalu then scored a brace (58th and 76th).
Churchill now have 36 points from 18 matches and are ahead of Sporting Clube de Goa by a point. Bagan are in the third position with 33 points from 17 matches. It was Mohun Bagan’s second loss in a row in the I-League — East Bengal defeated them 3-0 on February 22 — and at present things are not looking that rosy for Karim Bencharifa’s boys. They lack the intensity and the zeal that was so much visible during that 10-match winning streak.
Bencharifa, in fact, found the loss similar to that against East Bengal.
“Like February 22, today also we had a bright start and got that early goal. But the equaliser and Barreto’s back injury disturbed our rhythm,” Bencharifa told The Telegraph from Margao.
The green and maroon brigade began brightly with Lalkamal Bhowmick and Shylo S. Malswamtluanga combining well on the right side. And their efforts paid off when Bhowmick found Barreto inside the box. The Brazilian brilliantly chested the ball down, which left his marker Rowilson Rodrigues and goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya for dead, and on the turn hit a right-footer which crashed into the far corner. For the record, it was his 75th goal of the National League.
Churchill’s equaliser once again exposed Bagan’s discomfort when it comes to set piece movements. Sangram Mukherjee had no business in rushing out when Peter Odafe had things under control. Churchill’s Odafe punished the visitors with a smart header.
Bencharifa did not single out Sangram for the goal but conceded that his team never recovered from that.
Bencharifa said that he was finding it difficult to keep his team fresh. “On March 10 we have an AFC Cup match against Al Karamah in Syria. We have to prepare for that,” he said.
A Bagan source, however, revealed that some players, including Barreto, would be rested for the AFC Cup match. “I-League is the priority,” the source said. Source: The Telegraph

Bagan practise in full swing to start afresh!

2009-02-27T09:23:00.005+05:30

When asked about the derby loss to Karim, the coach was confident and he replied, "You never have any control over a derby match, there is so much that goes into it, the media, the support, the pressure." With this Bagan side going into the derby with the pressure of winning 10 matches on the trot and everybody expecting them to make it 11. Moreover, the unbeaten derby run for Bagan for almost a period of 2 years also was a big pressure to defend and not to mention the pressure of winning the I League. I guess the players couldnot cope up with the pressure well, but honestly am happy we lost." I mean obviously losing in a derby match for Bagan is a big thing, but I learnt to take it in a possitive tone. I can now see the players are more relieved and enjoying themselves and rearing to a start afresh against Churchill; Hope we can make another good run of 6 matches."

When asked about KEB coach Shubhash Bhowmick's derogetary comment, coach Karim said, "I am a coach of ethics, I have my work ethics and I respect even my opposition and so I share a healthy relationship with all footballers and coaches of India."

During practice session however, Bagan coach laid stress on the defensive formation and on the finishing capabilities of the bagan striking force. Pitted against their own defense, Bhaichung, Barreto and Lalam practiced hard and so did Dipak, Manju, Odafe and Habibur.

It seems the team against Churchill would be remaining the same. Dipak, Manju, Odafe, Habibur, Ishfaq, Marcos, Masih, James, Bhaichung, Barreto.

Pictures: Soumyadeb Sinha

Bagan stumble atlast!

2009-02-24T03:22:00.003+05:30

The inevitable happened! The dream run for Kareem's boys came to a shocking stand still! Just when they were looking forward to extend their winning streak in the I league and remain undefeated in the Kolkata derby for almost 2 years completing, KEB's coach Subhash Bhowmick pulled a bunny out of his hat to sting Kareem; and the bunny here being Syed Rahim Nabi!

Mohun Bagan lost the Kolkata derby at Salt Lake after almost two years, last being in February 2007, by a solitary goal from Shaumik Dey! But this time its triple the amount! Two coming from Nabi and the last one from the former Bagan youngster, Chettri.

From the way the match started, it seemed Bagan were about to cut a flesh out of KEB's heart. Waves of attack lashed the East Bengal penalty box and Bhaichung Bareto were busy heading and shooting balls towards Abhra Mondal, who slightly lucky, slightly brave was equally upto the task!

Bagan was taken aback in the 22nd minute, when from a corner, an entirely unmarked Rahim Nabi headed in from an unbelievable acute angle. The ball hit the cross bar and went in. Nobody could have done anything. A goal to appreciate, no doubt.

Bagan were just trying to shrug the early set back and get into the game and find an equaliser, but the effort was directionless. And out of the chaos, East Bengal put another in. From a free kick from just out side the box, from the right, Renedy found Nabi, who rose above Odafe to head it in. What was glaring was how on both the occasions Nabi was left free. Subhas has always laid stress on the scoring abilities of Nabi even though he is a side back. The Bagan defense completely over looked the person they should have been most aware of.

The second half promised some tactical move on Kareem's side to put Bagan off the misery. But unfortunate as it were, it was another lacuna in the Bagan defense that was exploited. Rahim Nabi made a run down the right flank, and sent in a minus for Chettri. Manju, a complete misfit as a Central Back was out of his position, and Dipak, who should have been at the thick of it was left in the flanks. Why this was 'unfortunate' is because, Sunil Chettri dawning the green and maroon, a few years back has had even easier chances in front of the goal and he made sure that the opposite goal keeper would thank him after the match for not embarrassing him on the day. But luck favoured and today Chettri went bounding away after scoring the third.

Bagan seemed not out of ideas, but out of resources. Bagan game seemed like a sad tale of disjointed episodes with Deepak running up the flank, trying to centre, hitting the opposite number, Manju rolling into the opponent's half with the ball, ending up passing it off to a KEB player then failing to get back to his position. Dipak needs to play the role of a CB. Manju if can not play LB then may be Mohunraj would still be a better option, considering fully his current horrible run of form and if not him atleast Rahul Kumar.

However, Bagan pressed on in the second half, with Lalampuia, Lalkamal and Mama, but it was just not to be. Bhaichung kept on missing headers, Barreto kept on getting tangled in a mesh work of KEB legs.

However, Kareem should know better that this is not the end of the road. Infact this is where it starts. The I League. It gets tougher and Bagan has to prove its character. The easy job is done. Now to win the I League, Bagan has to win all the matches, hoping SCG falter.

Set backs happen to the best of them, but its those who come back to show that it was nothing but a set back are the best!

Bagan certainly has the character and to win 10 matches in a row is no walk in the park. But Kareem now just needs to shrug off the negative vibes, if there is any, and look forward to winning the I League and making this season memorable one for all the right reasons!

Long Live Mohun Bagan!

FIFA issues an Article on Mohun Bagan!

2009-02-20T21:21:00.004+05:30

Mohun Bagan's magical 10 wins in the I League to rise from relegation talks to championship dream, as we all know had excited FIFA and today they has published an article about Mohun Bagan's dream run on the official FIFA website with the Headline : Bencharifa's Bagan back with a Bang! click on the link to view article .

Bagan's streak of 10 excites FIFA!

2009-02-20T21:05:00.007+05:30

Mohun Bagan’s feat of 10 wins on the trot in the ongoing I-League has its ripples being felt at world football’s headquarters in Zurich. Fifa, football’s governing body, has taken note of the green and maroon brigade’s ‘Perfect 10’ and

e-mailed a questionnaire to coach Karim Bencharifa. The Q&A will be published on Fifa’s official website. Ever since Sepp Blatter visited India in April 2007 to “wake up the sleeping giant from its slumber”, Indian football has been on the world body’s radar. The official website had carried elaborate interviews of national coach Bob Houghton and All India Football Federation president Priya Ranjan Das Munshi. Besides, Fifa has Satyam Computers as a service provider for World Cup 2010. But publishing an interview of the coach of an Indian club is very rare. And the man in question is happy about it. “Look, 10 wins in any league is an achievement. And in Indian club football it’s a record. It shows that our performance is being noticed. And people want to know about Indian club football,” Bencharifa said. According to Bencharifa, fifa.com has quizzed him on everything from Bhaichung Bhutia and Jose Ramirez Barreto to the club culture in the country and the state of Indian football. “How important is this winning streak for the club, and how I feel about it are some of the other questions,” he said. Bencharifa, in fact, was taken by surprise to see an email from Fifa. “Your inbox doesn’t show mails from Fifa often, isn’t it?” Ironically, this email comes at a time when most of the critics are trying to sell the idea that Bagan have been lucky in winning those 10 matches. Agreed they were not up to the mark in some— the match against Mohammedan Sporting is still fresh in our minds — but Bagan showed enough guts and gumption to deserve this feat. Bencharifa, who has consciously kept controversy at arm’s length, did not comment on his critics. “I have a big match coming up on Sunday against East Bengal. I am focussed on that and not bothered about what the critics are saying,” the Moroccan signed off.

Bagan juggernaut make it 10 in a row! Perfect gift for Kareem!

2009-02-16T00:57:00.006+05:30

It was Kareem Bencharifa, the Mohun Bagan coach's birthday and on his 41st birthday he could not have had a better present. Bagan getting three points from the Mohd. Sporting match and with that extending a feat that will be inscribed in golden letters in the history of I League- 10 straight wins in the I League and by doing that regained the number one spot on the league table which was taken away from them for about 15 mins before by Sporting Clube de Goa, who ended their match against Churchill Brother with a win and going on to 31 points. Bagan on the otherhand, moved to 33 points from the same number of matches.
The match started with Bagan enjoying the better portion of possession and also were making quite a few movements down the left flank, engineered by Ishfaq. Dipak was seen to taken a lesson or two from the earlier matches and seemed quite keen enough to move up and down the flank to help Ishfaq.Ishfaq made a few blistering runs down the flank and left the defenders spell-bound and Naseem Akhtar diving for the balls.
However the moment came when from a Odafe throw-in, Barreto received the ball and calmly laid it on for James, who advancing took a left footer on his stride- the ball glanced off Gurpreet Singh's thigh went straight into the Mohd. Sporting goal. After the goal, Bagan tried to maintain the pressure, but was found lackingin vigour and in ideas as Mohd. Sporting slowly clawed into the match. Though there were a few streaks of brilliance here and there from Barreto and Bhaichung, it was not enough to get another goal. Bagan also missed a lot of opportunities to score and thus the half ended 1-0 in Bagan's favour!
The second half, belonged to Mohd. Sporting. In the entire season, Bagan has not played a more awful second half. Waves of Mohd. Sporting attacks kept crashing at the Bagan goal, but the Bagan goalie, Sangram Mukherjee proved once again why even at his age, he can make young promising keepers sit at bay! Acrobatic as he was, he was brave. If James has scored the winner, then Sangra Mukherjee has defended that solitary goal to make it the winner!
Manju today was outstanding and he took much pressure at the back handling Okoro and Eugene and also cover up for Dipak Mondal, who it seemed was not entirely fit.
With this win, Bagan earn 33 points and are at the top of the league table and will play arch rivals East Bengal on the 22nd and will look forward to extend not only their winning streak against East Bengal, but also to make it 11 continuous wins in the I League!
On Behalf of the Millions of Mariners who stay outside India or Kolkata and even on behalf of those who live in the City of Joy, Mohun-Bagan. Blogspot.com would like to Wish Kareem Bencharifa on his wonderful Birthday.
Photos: Soumyadeb Sinha

Bhaichung to remain at Bagan next season!

2009-02-09T09:23:00.003+05:30

Bhaichung Bhutia, the Indian and Bagan captain, today assured the million Bagan fans that he is staying at Bagan for the next season. Bhaichung confessed that it has been great to play with such success for such a great team and he is happy to have contributed and been loved by the fans. Bhaichung said, that he has a contract with Mohun Bagan for another year and he is in no mood to break such contract because he says he is happy being at Bagan and he is enjoying the atmosphere!

Bhaaichung lauded the wonderful team spirit for the recent success and said that his onfield understanding with Barreto is only being bettered with time. "Now, he knows what I want to do, and I know he wants to do..." said Bhaichung.

Bagan topple Sporting to lead I league table! 9 straight wins for Mohun Bagan!

2009-02-06T23:23:00.008+05:30

The National cricket team and the National club of India are going hand in hand. It was just yesterday that Dhoni's India team registered their 9th consecutive victory and today Bhaichung, Bagan skipper made sure Bagan go on to register a record 9 consecutive wins in the I League!
Mohun Bagan are now the league leaders with Sporting Clube behind them by 2 points!
It is after almost a long 4 year span that a Kolkata team has made it to the top of the League table! Astonishing as it is, so are Bagan's 9 consecutive wins. Just when it seemed lady luck would deny Bagan their 9th win and push Sporting clube below them, Bhaichung Bhutia, scored a acrobatic goal to put Bagan ahead and acquire the deserved win.
Sporting Clube, the former league leaders looked for every opportunity to bide time and from their game it was difficult to make out what they wanted to kick, Bagan shins or the football. Surprisingly however, the only two times the referee pulled a yellow card was when two Sporting players lost their temper and banged the ball onto the pitch!
Bagan kept their intentions clear as they pressurised the sporting defense on a number of occasions. Ishfaq as always was impressive on the left, however, looked lacking in support on the left with Deepak Mondal not allowing him to make the stretching runs down the left flank. Barreto worked hard along with Masih. Odafe as always impressive at the back along with Manju, who tried their best to keep Sporting strikers Junior and Amos quite. However, it might be a good idea for Karim to bring Dipak back as a Central Back thus strengthening the defence and may be place a Left wing-back who could lend Ishfaq the wanted support. Bagan played their way into the game and created chances way to many but couldnot convert them and from one such chances, at the very end of the first half, off a James centre, Bhaichung placed a wonderful header, which hit the post, went in but was cleared by the Sporting Clube keeper. The Line's man on duty saw nothing interesting about the incident though television replays showed it was a clear goal.
In the second half, Bagan applied increased pressure and it was not far when Bagan again created a goal mouth action. From a long throw in headed in, Habibur headed goalwards but to a Sporting Clube defender on the goal line and then the return ball was headed in again by Bhaichung but again to a Sporting Clube defender. Bagan kept on creating chances one after the other and in the 76th minute, from a corner, Barreto and Habibur scrambled the ball to Bhaichung, who spinning a complete 180 degrees on his toe put the ball to the back of the net.
Bagan did not stop after this and Marcos, Barreto, Ishfaq and Bhaichung kept creating chances but the finish just was not there.
Sporting Clube, was not much impressive. The only times they looked scoring was when two long shots were taken, which the Bagan custodian, Sangram Mukherjee dealt with supreme confidence.
Bagan after this win have remained undefeated in the last 11 matches in this I League, and out of them, 9 continuos wins.
Mohun Bagan next meet Mohd. Sporting on the 15th of February

Magical Barreto shoots down Air India! Bagan register record 8 I League wins on the trot!

2009-02-01T17:33:00.006+05:30

Bagan bettered their previous 7 continuos I League wins today by making it 8 wins on the trot in the I League with the previous record being 6 wins in a row! Air India was shown the door in their own den, as Bimal Ghosh, after the I League defeat, had warned Bagan about Air India's capabilities in the Cooperage! Barreto flouted any such warning and threw Air India to the wind to retain Bagan in the second spot with 27 points, just one point behind Sporting Clube de Goa, who are on 28 points.

Air India, however, drew first blood in the 20th minute. The Air India forwards combined well in the moment to take advantage of the unsettled Bagan defence and after playing a one-two opened up the Bagan goal. Manju looked totally out of position and without any clue of what task he had been assigned to do. Deepak too, assigned the role of a left back ,could not live up to his task of overlapping and sending in good crosses. Odafe, however, stood tall in the defense and covered up for Manju while Habibur played to the best of his ability.

After the goal, Bagan stepped up and Marcos started to initiate a few movements. He himself took a crack at goal, which forced the Air India goalie to make a good save. But the moment came late in the 1st half, when Barreto, off a flat corner from James, headed in the equaliser for Bagan.

In the second half, Air India, it seemed as if was out to prove a point to Bagan and crowded men in Bagan's half, but in the 69th minute, Ishfaq did well to tussle a ball away from an Air India player and initiate a counter attack. Ishfaq ran from the Bagan's and into the half of Air India and laid the ball off to Barreto to the right. Barreto took himself to an acutely narrow angle and then let off a bullet, which pierced through the first bar and the keeper.

Air India piled on the pressure with bringing in some forwards but Odafe, Deepak and Habibur made sure they saw Bagan through with 3 points!

Next, its a clash of the League contenders, Bagan and Sporting Clube in Kolkata!

Barreto credit Marcos for Bagan's good show!

2009-01-30T10:25:00.005+05:30

What sets Jose Ramirez Barreto apart from the rest of the pack in the Maidan is his sense of sharp observation — both on and off the field. Under his stewardship, Mohun Bagan have been having a dream run this season, notching up seven straight victories so far in the coveted I-League. But the 32-year-old Brazilian, modest as he always is despite his outstanding individual brilliance, refuses to solely take credit for the success story of the green-and-maroons. Although Barreto has clearly emerged as the most crucial player in Mohun Bagan’s successful run this season, he doesn’t even want to admit that his combination with Baichung Bhutia has been a key factor in pulling the team out of the rut after a disappointing start. Instead, when asked to look back at the season and the successes so far, the mercurial Barreto is these days praising another Brazilian — Marcos Pereira. “September 20 was the most important day for all of us in the team,” Barreto recounts. “We had a dream run this season, getting close to the I-League title contention, reaching the second spot, just behind Sporting Clube de Goa who are on 24 points. Now, that dream run actually began after September 20 when Marcos Pereira joined the Mohun Bagan camp.” Barreto reckons that the hardworking Marcos and his ability to consistently feed the strikers has been the turning point in Bagan’s campaign. “He was relentless, has been very hardworking, and most importantly, his ability to feed the attackers with accurate throughs in turn brought out the best in us. The most important thing is, Marcos has also successfully played the role of defensive screen whenever the opposition went into counter-attack mode,” Barreto explained. The experienced Brazilian player picked out three players who he thinks made much of the difference in terms of freely moving on the field — Bhutia, Lal Kamal Bhowmick and himself. He explained: “Baichung has been scoring fantastic goals lately and in fact that’s not something that is unexpected. As for me, I am satisfied for having been able to move freely in the attacking-third. And then there is Lal Kamal, who has been quite articulate in feeding upfront with accurate passes. He has also shown that he can play in crunch situations without taking too much pressure on himself. So, if we really manage to win the I-League title, then Marcos’ name should be on top of the list.” Terming every match of the second leg of the I-League as extremely important, Barreto picked out the encounters against East Bengal and Sporting Clube de Goa as the most crucial ones. Mohun Bagan will play Sporting Clube de Goa on February 7 and the much-awaited Kolkata Maidan derby is on February 22. “All the matches from now on are important. But specially important will be our matches against Sporting Clube de Goa and East Bengal. They are the two most important hurdles we have to overcome,” he said. Source: Express India Photo: Soumyadeb Sinha

Bagan thrash Mumbai FC!

2009-01-23T22:05:00.007+05:30

The newbie of Indian football, Mumbai FC had taken much joy in defeating the oldest club of Indian football in the first leg of the I League in a slushy Barasat stadium. The second leg of the I League saw Bagan thrashing Mumbai FC away in Mumbai by three goals from the three strikers of Bagan, Bhaichung, Barreto, Lalampuia.

Mohun Bagan in first half measured their opponent and refrained from repeating the mistake of the first leg and slowly with time settled into the match. Bagan came close to scoring the first half a couple of times but failed to capitalise. However, in the second half Bagan looked determined to get the three points from the match and extend their I League winning tally to a staggering continuous 7 matches.

In the 73rd minute, James sent in an in-swinging centre and a flying Bhaichung side volleyed the ball into the goal.

Then in the 81st minute, Marcos put the ball long for Barreto, who ran almost half the length of the field before placing in at the second post and the Mumbai FC keeper left stranded. 2-0 for Bagan.

Bagan kept up the pressure and then in the 89th minute, Lalampuia was set up again by Marcos with a defense splitting pass and the young gun made quick run and beautifully placed the ball past the keeper. What is heartening to see this season is that Lalampuia has realised scoring goals is not always about power but placement.

Bagan continue their I League winning spree and win their 7th match in a row. Next Bagan play Air India in Mumbai.

Mohun Bagan to sign 5 foreigners!

2009-01-13T21:56:00.004+05:30

Just when the Mohun Bagan Cricket officials declared that they were intending on signing foreigners for the ongoing JC Mukherjee Trophy, CAB was quick to reject any such ideas and even Jagmohan Dalmia himself expressed his disapproval.
But only after the Bagan officials pointed out that there are no such rules regarding whether foreigners should play in the J.C. Mukherjee trophy or not, and so CAB had no immediate right to stop them and given the option, Bagan would like to play foreigners in an effort to popularize domestic cricket, and barring them from registering the foreign recruits would force Bagan to take back their name from any of the ongoing tournaments this season, CAB yielded and today has given green signal to Mohun Bagan to register their foreign recruits.

Sources say that Bagan officials are intending on signing 5 foreigners, including Chaminda Vaas and Tillakaratne Dilshan of Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh captain Md. Ashraful and his countryman Ali Mortaza

Mohun Bagan cricket team registers Lankan duo!

2009-01-13T10:53:00.005+05:30

Mohun Bagan cricket team on Monday sprang a surprise, registering high-profile Sri Lankan duo of Chaminda Vaas and Tillakaratne Dilshan for the entire season. Left arm pacer Vaas, who has been overlooked by the Sri Lankan selectors for the one-day series against Pakistan, will arrive tomorrow night to play for the ongoing JC Mukherjee Trophy Twenty20 tournament. Middle-order talented batsman Dilshan, on the other hand, will remain busy with the Pakistan tour and hence will not be available for the ongoing Twenty20 tournament. Vaas will play for Mohun Bagan from the quarterfinal of the Twenty20 tournament. Mohun Bagan's quarterfinal is on January 14 at Eastern Railway Sports Association ground. "We have registered both of them with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) today... Having already made the quarterfinal, Mohun Bagan will have Vaas in their line-up. But, unfortuantely, Dilshan will be busy with his country committments so won't get him as of now. I spoke to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chief Duleep Mendis who gave his consent," Mohun Bagan assistant general secretary Srinjoy Basu said. In fact, Mohun Bagan first approached Sanath Jayasuriya. "This has happened in three-four days' time. I first got in touch with Jayasuriya, who cited his unavailibilty and from him only I got the contacts of Vaas and Dilshan. They are very soft-spoken and agreed to play for us," Basu said. The duo have been signed by Mohun Bagan for the entire season and, country committments permitting, they will play club cricket, the sources said. "The two-day league, P. Sen Trophy and knock-out tournament are yet to come this season and we are hopeful of getting them provided they are free with their country committments," he added. "I am sure, their participation will revive the club cricket. If Vaas or Dilshan play here, there will be crowds and enthusiasm. Our boys will also get to learn many things playing with the experienced duo," Basu said. Mohun Bagan is skippered by Bengal batsman Manoj Tewary, while former Ranji cricketer Abdul Munayem is the coach.

Mohun Bagan face 'tall' opponents in AFC Cup!

2009-01-13T10:09:00.003+05:30

The Federation Cup winners Mohun Bagan AC have been placed in Group D of the AFC Cup along with Syria's Al Karama, Kuwait FC and Jordan's Al Wihdat. Bagan coach Karim Benchariffa confessed that he is a bit surprised because he was hoping to draw a team or two from South East Asia. Justifie as it woul have been, because Maldives, west of India has been placed in with the South East Asian teams while, India with West Asian teams. Accodring to Fifa's current Asia football ratings, Syria is placed in 13th, Jordan 15th, Kuwait 16th while India 27th...no surprises Mohun Bagan woul be the weak-link in the group, but when it comes to Karim Bencharifa, he takes every adversity as a challenge and though accepting he is in a tough group, he promised that the team will give its best. Another concern however is that the AFC matches will be held during inbetween I league matches.

Two teams will advance from each group. Mohun Bagan will play their home matches at the Howrah Stadium.

1st Leg Schedule for Mohun Bagan

10th March> Syria Al Karama(Away)

17th March> Jordan Al Wihdat(Home)

7th April> Kuwait FC(Home)

21st April> Kuwait FC(Away)

5th May> Syria Al Karama(Home)

19th May> Jordan Al Wihdat(Away)

Bayern Munich to play at Mohun Bagan ground!

2009-01-08T19:00:00.003+05:30

Bayern Munich is back and this time, they will play 3 exhibition matches in Kolkata, one of them being against the Police Commissioner's XI, comprised of players from Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohd. Sporting at the historic Mohun Bagan ground. Mohun Bagan ground has over the ages received much praise for its unmatche quality compared to the other grouns in the city and now Bayern will set foot on the Bagan turf a month after Maradona paid a visit to the National club of India. Jamsed Nasiri has been appointed as the coach of the Police Commissioner's XI.

Buchanan witness Mohun Bagan - East Bengal rivalry wrath!

2009-01-03T21:31:00.003+05:30

Last weekend John Buchanan got a taste of Mohun Bagan- East Bengal's bitter age-old rivalry when the veteran coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, on a trip to city, witnessed a scuffle between the two sides at a CAB First Division League match.Players and officials of both the teams including Bengal players Manoj Tiwary and Ritam Kundu exchanged blows during a match at the Eden Gardens in front of Buchanan who had gone to the stadium to see performance of both sides. Buchanan is on a six-day visit to the city for the IPL team's talent search programme that starts from today. Trouble began when East Bengal&aposs Ritam Porel (20) was bowled by Bagan's Ritam Kundu in the 73rd over. Porel, taking his own time to walk out, got a mouthful from Bagan skipper Tiwary. As Porel hurled back, a mayhem followed as officials and supporters of the two teams rushed to the ground and a brawl ensued. There was pushing and shoving as the area in front of the dressing room turned into a virtual battlefield. The former Aussie coach was apparently not pleased with the happenings but refused to comment on the incident. Trying to play down the incident, CAB Joint Secretary Arun Mitra said,"I have cautioned Tiwary and Porel and the matter is being sorted out." For the on-field umpires, Aditya Mukherjee and Supriyo Sarkar, however, none of the players"did cross the limit"as they made it clear the issue will not figure in their reports. East Bengal posted 310 for six in 85 overs with Saunak Das scoring 83. Mohun Bagan on the next day posted 280 for six wickets and the match was a draw. However, the following day saw the continuation of drama as with the match drawing to a close, East Bengal officials and supporters pounced on thier Mohun Bagan counterparts. East Bengal officials and supporters entered the Bagan dressing room.

Reluctant Mohun Bagan forces organisers to postpone IFA Shield

2009-01-03T21:27:00.001+05:30

Mohun Bagan’s reluctance to play in the IFA Shield in order to preserve their players for the second phase of I-League has led to one of the oldest football tournaments in the world to be postponed for the time being. In their executive body meeting on Tuesday, the Indian Football Association rescheduled the IFA Shield for the 2008-09 season — initially supposed to kick off on January 5 — to July. That would, in effect, mean the tournament acts as a precursor to the 2009-10 season. Though IFA secretary Utpal Ganguly claimed that uncertainty over police arrangements was the prime reason behind the decision, the fact remains that, without Mohun Bagan, the tournament would have lost a large part of its glamour. Ganguly said that playing IFA Shield matches at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Barasat Stadium would have been a huge problem, as the state police would be busy managing the Gangasagar pilgrimage between January 8 and 18. He, however, couldn’t come up with a satisfactory answer when asked as to why the Mohun Bagan ground and the Howrah Stadium were not chosen to host the matches instead.

In fact, the fate of the tournament had been in jeopardy ever since Mohun Bagan showed their reluctance to play. The Bagan management and coach have repeatedly said that they want their players fresh for the second phase of the I-League, and that they would like to give their players adequate time to rest and recuperate after the completion of the first phase. The IFA, though, had maintained that the green-and-maroons would change their decision and agree to play in the tournament, but that did not happen. As a result, the tournament itself had to be rescheduled. The decision to postpone the event has also meant that the IFA runs the risk of losing almost Rs 75 lakhs from TV rights. Troubled past The IFA Shield is the fourth oldest club competition in the world, begun in 1893. The tournament has been cancelled twice before — in 1980 after 16 people died during a Mohun Bagan-East Bengal league match, and then in 1992, when the tournament was cancelled after the first match as communal riots broke out in the wake of the Babri Masjid demolition. But while the previous incidents merited cancellation, the situation is completely normal this time. Which only makes the decision more questionable.

Bhaichung declared the Player of the year '08!

2008-12-23T23:29:00.004+05:30

Bhaichung Bhutia, the Mohun Bagan AC and the Indian skipper, today was ajudged the player of the year for the year 2008 by the AIFF. Earlier this year, under the captaincy of Bhutia, India won the AFC Challange cup beating Tajikistan 4-1 and earned the right to play in the Asian Cup after a long wait of 24 years.

Bagan also won the Federation Cup this season and the Calcutta Football League and are hot on pursuit of the I League standing in the second spot.

Questioned about his objectives, he said his primary objective now is to win the I League for Mohun Bagan. He attributed the success in both the tournament to the team and praised others for the support he received.

Mohun Bagan rule Futsal Friendsy

2008-12-23T22:54:00.003+05:30

Futsal frenzy gripped the city, when MC Dowell's Futsal Friendsy hit Kolkata. The National Final was held today at the Mohun Bagan ground. Kolkata team and the Kerala team made it to the finals of the tournament, where they met the Mohun Bagan futsal team. The Mohun Bagan consisting of Henry Gangte, Rino Antao, Lalram Luaha, Tapan Maity, S. James Jr. beat the Kerala team 3-1 in the Final. The 5 man a side tournament was held in nation wide scale an the champions from each region locked their horns in the city.

What was heartening to see was that even though it was not such an important occasion and only a 5 a side tournament, that also after a tiresome Fed Cup win, the whole team had turned up at the club ground. From Bhaichung, Barreto, Lalkamal, Lalam to the coaches and even the reserves.

Probably this is the team spirit Karim has been taking about and hope Bagan continue on their winning streak!

Mohun Bagan's 1911Shield victory the Lagaan in soccer!

2008-12-23T00:54:00.012+05:30

Barreto might have put Mohun Bagan on top at the 13th Federation Cup, but the onus of giving the club its due on the big screen is on director Arunava Roychowdhury, better known as Arun Roy in Mumbai now. The director is all set to make a Bengali film titled Sulochona with the backdrop of Mohun Bagan being the first Asian team to have defeated a foreign team when they won the 1911 IFA Shield defeating East Yorkshire Regiment 2-1.

Rahul of Chirodini... Tumi Je Amar fame has already been cast in the film. Apart from many stage artistes, the cast also includes producer-distributor Arijit Dutta playing the crazed revolutionary. Though on the surface, this will be a sports film, the subtext has a deep patriotic flavour. Many still regard the day the match was won as the Independence Day of Bengali Football. Close to a lakh people had ferried in boats, travelled in overcrowded trams, buses and trains to watch the match. Reuters had reported that “the magnitude of the crowd was so large that the scorers and announcers couldn’t work. The scores were being broadcast in the form of kites in the sky”. The then Mohun Bagan team included Hiralal Mukherjee, Bhuti Sukul, Sudhir Chatterjee, Manmohan Mukherjee, Rajen Sengupta, Nilmadhav Bhattacharya, Kanu Roy, Habul Sarkar, Abhilash Ghosh, Bijoydas Bhaduri and Shibdas Bhaduri.

When the barefoot Mohun Bagan players had defeated the British, cries of Vande Mataram had also rent the air. For the record, the next time Mohun Bagan won their shield was in 1947. Talking about the film, Dutta says, “This is a Bengali version of Lagaan. The ending is superb. Made on a budget of Rs 1.5 crore, we are doing everything in our capacity to market the film globally. Phhite bandha football shuddhu anano hochhe.”

While art director Indranil Ghosh has been roped in to recreate those times, Mokam (which recently scored an anthem for Maradona’s visit) will compose the film’s theme song. Says Mayukh of Mokam, “Scoring for Maradona’s track was a dream come true. We had had a word with the director two years ago on this project to compose a chorus with polyphonic sound.” A city fashion school has also been roped in to design the costumes. The portions of the film showing the matches will be shot in Murshidabad simply because back then, there were no stadia the way one has in Kolkata now. The film releases on July 29 (the same day the match was won in 1911) next year with a football match between the cast and a second division team from England!

A Post Fed Cup victory Report!

2008-12-22T23:23:00.005+05:30

The club authority has officially declare their disinclination towards playing in the IFA Shield. The coach and the club officials have decided to give the players some rest so that they can start afresh in the second half of the I League. Karim cited that CFL took much away from the players and the team suffered at the beginning of the First Leg of the I League and so he doesn't want to repeat the mistake. However, he clarified that, "We are not playing the IFA Shield not because it is of any less importance. We would have played, had the calender been more kind of the players." Not even a gap of fifteen days have been allowed between the Fed Cup an the IFA shield!
However, Bagan players and fans were all present at the club ground to hoist the club flag. Amongst others, Leaner Paes was present and to congratulate the Bagan players on winning the Federation Cup an to share the joy with the club of his childhood. He had come along before the Fed Cup kicked off, to wish Karim's boys for the tournament.

However, Karim while talking about his Fed Cup performance, praised Marcos Periera for rendering such invaluable service in the midfield and Karim said that had there been an award for the Man of the Tournament, Marcos would surely win it. Many had criticised Karim for signing the aged Marcos, but Karim maintained that he needed some one who could control the midfield and also be of strong physical build and Marcos was just it and he proved what he is capable of in the Fed Cup final against Dempo as he virtually busted the Dempo midfield single handed.

On Rakesh, he had previously state that Masih is an asset for the team and the young promising TFA recruit certainly live upto the coach's expectations as he controlled the midfield when he played in the midfield and then defended the Bagan fortress when Anand Vasan went out due to injury at the beginning of the derby match. He also defended quite well against Dempo in the final too. Karim has been laying stress on the unity of the team and his confidence in his young brigade along with his strategies have paid off so far for Bagan, as the Mariners bag the Calcutta Football League and the Federation Cup this season with still the half of the I league to go, in which Bagan are in the 2nd spot and as Karim said, with this team, he can only see moving forward.

A minute of silence for Sanjiv Jana! Amongst all the merry making, Bagan fans didnot forget to observe a minute's silence paying their respect to the departed Sanjiv Jana of Jaavpur, the young Bagan fan, who yesterday, before the match had started, fell from the second tier on the concrete below. Sanjiv was immeiately rushed to a nearby Nursing home and was kept on observation though his condition was critical. Club officials, Anjan Mitra, Swapan Sadhan Bose and Debashish Dutta and others visited the nursing home and provided a shoulder to the youth's family and as per sources, they even made a monetary payment to the family for the treatment, though sources claim, IFA also have contribute towards the treatment. However, the situation worsened an today morning, Sanjiv Bose passed away. The club president Swapan Sadhan Bose and Barreto dedicated the Fed Cup victory to Sanjiv and his family.

Mohun Bagan may not play IFA Shield!

2008-12-22T08:13:00.004+05:30

After beating Dempo and winning the Fed Cup, Karim Bencharifa confessed in a press conference that he didnot have his eyes on the IFA shield. In fact, Bagan may altogether abstain from playing the tournament, because he said, "Our primary objective is to win the National League. Obviously there is nothing more important in India than winning the I League and since we are in a favourable position, we donot want to miss on the bigger opportunities" and by giving too much importance on the IFA shield, which though a national tournament of late, Karim doesnot want his team to give any slip ups in the I League.

He pointed out that, before the I League started, he had given much stress on the CFL and that had led to injury, fatigues to the key players at the beginning of the I League and the result was apparent in the first 5 matches of the I League.

Karim also said that his boys have been working real hard and for the Fed Cup, where they had to play 5 matches in a span of 9 days, they poured their heart out and its time to give them back something what they have earned, a good night's sleep and some rest.

However, the decision to drop from the IFA Shield has not yet been finalised as pointed out by Karim and the club officials and the coach in a meeting today will decide on the issue

Mohun Bagan win Federation Cup 2008

2008-12-21T23:49:00.008+05:30

Not once, not twice, not even five times! Thirteen times Federation Champion! Mohun Bagan win the 30th Federation Cup 2008 today beating Dempo SC 1-0, courtesy a Jose Ramirez Barreto goal in the 68th minute of the match!

The Salt Lake Stadium today was draped in Green and Maroon flags as if expecting the favourites, Mohun Bagan AC to blow away 2004 champions Dempo SC and as a matter of fact, that is exactly what happened toay. Infact Bagan took sweet revenge of their defeat against Dempo in the 2004 Fed Cup final in Goa and that just made the moment all the more special.

Dempo boasted the best midfield in the country, starring Clifford Miranda, Climax Lawrence, Beto but Mohun Bagan it seemed caught the match by its neck and literally strangled Dempo for the entire 90 mins and won the Fed Cup quite convincingly.

Dempo can hard;y be said to have played any football today as Karim reading the game plan of Dempo deployed Marcos to tackle Beto. Marcos literally put Beto in a ball-tight container and succesfully cut of the supply line for the deadly striker Ranti, who fit of rage, committed an ugly foul, got the marching orders an then before leaving the field, slapped a photographer!

The entire match, Marcos worked tremendously in the midfield and to give him rightful company was Ishfaq Ahmed, the former Dempo man. Even Lalkamal played his heart out and Tulunga, after a long while was beautifully operating on the right flank.

The Defense was an impervious membrane, with Dipak and Masih in the Central defense and Habibur and Mohunraj on the two flanks. Though Dempo pressurised Mohunraj and got in with a few chances from the left, Sangram was ready to come off his line an block any shot that came his way.

Barreto was inexplicable today, playing balls with Tulunga, Puia, Ishfaq, Marcos and sending in balls with lovely foresight.

In the first half, Bagan started attacking right from the word go and did not let Dempo settle down even for a moment. Marcos kept a hard watch on Beto & Co. while Rakesh Masih and Dipak Mondal kept Ranti Martins quiet. Bagan created a few chances in the half but completely controlled the match and took it away from Dempo.

In the second half Mohun Bagan came out with a much stronger conviction to win the match and in the 68th minute, from a corner, Habibur headed the ball goalwards and Barreto punched a powerful shot to hit the top corner of the goal.

Video of the Goal against Dempo

Mohun Bagan even after scoring the goal didnot become too defensive but defended the goal well to win the Federation Cup.

Sangram stars as Mohun Bagan beat East Bengal to enter Fed Cup Final

2008-12-18T21:55:00.008+05:30

If I had said Sangram needs to take a break, the Bagan custodian has made me to eat my own words. Bagan today beat East Bengal to enter the final of the 30th Federation Cup. Mohun Bagan won the match on penalties 6-4 to deny East Bengal and Sangram undoubtedly stood tall and saved Bagan from the blushes and sent East Bengal packing out of the tournament an thus dashing any of their hopes to win even a single silver...

The match was bound to be a high voltage match, as after a series of defeats at the handds of their rival, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal officials had declared that this was the match they would win and begin on their winning streak. The match started off with East Bengal the better and balanced side on paper compared to Bagan. But as they all say, derby match is different!

The match started off with East Bengal trying to make some head way, but soon Bagan earned a free on the left. Marcos sent in an inswinging free kick, across the face of the goal, which was left alone by everybody, even the keeper an the ball struck the upright and went off. A few minutes later, from a Marcos corner, Ishfaq headed a ball which again hit the upright. Barely a minute ha passe when Subrata Paul fumble an aerial ball an almost gave Ishfaq the chance to score. East Bengal then had one thing going thereway, Anan Vasan pulled his calf muscle an was taken off an Lalkamal was brought in his position. Rakesh Masih was stepped in his shoes and East Bengal got the opportunity to control the match. The remainder of the first half, East Bengal raised waves of attacks which were indiscremenately put down by Sangram, who came up with some stupendous saves and timely clearances coming off his line.

After half time, Bagan also started to pile on the pressure and it was end to end action and from one such attacks, East Bengal earned a free kick on the left. From the long free kick, Masih headed it clear, but it landed at the feet of Sanju Pradhan, who took a scorcher to beat Sangram, finally.

Bagan, without any surprises piled on more pressure and from another long free kick, Marcos found a leaping Barreto, who headed in magficently the equaliser.

Bagan again came too close to not to have scored, when Bhaichung found a free ball in the open and took a shot, which Subrata blocked some how and fell at the feet of the advancing Ishfaq Ahmed, who took a blinder on his run, which unfortunately rattled the woodwork, again.

Mean while Sangram was busy saving a few shots that came his way and he looked Confident!

The match gradually rolled into the first period of Extra time and and during the end of the first 15 mins, Chettri took a left footer, which was again blocked by the Bagan custodian.

An injured Bhaichung was replaced by Lalampuia, who almost at the end missed a glorious opportunity to score off a ree header!

The match then rolled into the Penalty Shoot outs!

Bagan scored all 6 of theirs, while Sangram blocked East Bengal's 3rd shot which was taken by Sunil Chettri!

Bagan will meet Dempo SC, who has beaten Churchill 2-0 to play in the Final!

Injured Bhaichung may miss Final!

An injured Bhaichung, was carried out on a stretcher as he lay writhing in pain during the first extra time of the match. It is the same injury that had kept him out of action for the past few months. Yesterday night when Bhaichung was asked about his condition, he said that an MRI has been conducted and he fears that the octor might ask him to take rest for a month!

Mean while in the first semi final between Churchill and Dempo, Kalu and Ranti of the two teams respectively, were knocked unconscious as they barged into each other and they have been admitted in a local nursing home and is in ICCU.

Mohun Bagan come back from behind to book a berth in the Semis

2008-12-16T23:19:00.005+05:30

Vasco had won their match and move to 6 points from 3 matches while Air India stood on 4 points from 2 matches and Bagan on 3 points from their 2 matches. If Bagan had to advance to the semis, they had to win the match, while Air India needed a win too to advance to the Semis. whereas, a draw would see Vasco go through and play East Bengal. Mohun Bagan came from behind to win a berth for the semis, thanks to Lalkamal Bhowmick and Marcos Periera!

Bagan tried to force the issue and with Ishfaq and Mama and Karim seemed to have the intention of keeping the two flanks active. Bagan did come with a few attacks, but a counter attack from a spilled ball from Marcos, Soccor Velo of Air India rushed in from the left out and scored in the 25th minute. Bagan tried to comeback, but poor play by them saw them through to the end of the first half.

After the second half resumed, Mama was replaced by Lalkamal, and Bagan was rewarded handsomely with a goal. Lalkamal, received a ball from Marcos, and took a shot instantly from outside the penalty box and the keeper stretched in vein.

Minutes later Barreto was tackled from behind just outside the penalty box and Bagan was awarded with a free kick. Marcos took a shot over the head of the wall and the keeper unsighted by his own wall, committed himself on his wrong foot and that was enough to beat him and Marcos scored the second for Bagan in the 59th minute.

All Bagan had to do after this was to defend the lead, but the match had a late twist in the tail as Anand Vasan handled the ball inside his penalty box and Air India was awarded a penalty. The drama continued as Air India man Ravinder put the ball past Sangram, but the goal was over rule as he had taken the shot before the referee had blown his whistle. Ravinder took another penalty, same as the earlier one, this one Sangram saving! The score remained 2-1.

Bagan came close a few times, with Bhaichung and Barreto hitting the upright once each.Mohun Bagan will now meet East Bengal in the Semis and with a defense thus, the prospect for Bagan does not seem bright, but as they say, its a derby, its always 50-50, the team who plays better on that day will win.

However, few worries remain, as the Left back position is virtually non-existent with Mohunraj caught chasing the forwards most of the times and never in position to defend an attack. Probably Rahul Kumar could have been tried on, but that's a risk Karim rather not take and rely on the 19 year old an pray he comes back to his last year's perfromance. Sangram does not seem to confident under bar either and with the derby meeting in the semis, one is reminded of what happened last year and Sangram would surely be needed to pull up his socks if Mohun Bagan has to advance to the finals.

Bagan pay for taking Vasco lightly!

2008-12-14T22:38:00.005+05:30

A shock? probably not! It was all apparent from the way Bagan played the match! With Jose Ramirez Barreto on the bench, the intentions were never clear for Bagan as Vasco, the team languishing at the bottom of the I League this season, stunned Bagan, the favourite for this tournament!

Barreto was kept out owing to some injury, but that prove costly as Bagan seemed listless and clueless in the first half and allowed an equally clueless Vasco to settle into the match and dictate terms and finally emerge victorious making the Group D of the Federation cup seem very interesting.

Bagan started off with Lalampuia and Bhutia upfront with Ishfaq and James manning the two flanks with Rakesh playing a defensive role and Marcos playing a maker's role but none were performing his own duty. Ishfaq and Marcos were happy sending in long balls for Lalam and Bhutia both of whom seemed "out".

The entire first half was fruitless for Bagan and allowed Vasco to settle in he match as they played much more ground football compared to the long balls played in by the Bagan players.

Barreto was introduced in the second half and the difference was visible with Bagan playing more along the ground and getting a few constructive moves. Marcos was beautifully played in Barreto, but he managed to hit the advancing keeper.

The heartbreaking moment came when Bagan won a free kick outsie the Vasco box, Marcos managed to hit the pots, the ball came back to Bhaichung, who headed it over the keeper, but shocking as it was, Habibur who stood on the goal line facing the entire field behind every possible Vasco defender and behind the keeper, needlessly kicked the ball in, which woul have gone anyways. Offside was ruled against Bagan and that was justified.

Bagan kept coming close to scoring with Barreto and Bhaichung taking shots inturns but the Vasco goalie denied them.

On the contrary, Vasco took just one shot at the goal which sailed in with Sangram under the bar giving judgement to an ariel ball with no idea of where he himself stood, on the goal line. The Match ended 0-1, Vasco beating Mohun Bagan. One might be reminded of Sangram's devastating mistakes in the last Federation Cup and if Karim wants to advance, he may consider giving Shilton Pal a chance as Sangram is in much need of a well earned break! Last year Sangram conceded silly goals in the matches leading upto the semifinal tie against East Bengal, against whom, he conceded 3 goals and Bagan went down 2-3.

Now Bagan has to win against Air India and that too with a healthy goal difference(provided Vasco win against Oil India), while Air India also will jump for full 3 points, since if they win, even they stand a chance of advancing. The winner of this group will meet East Bengal in the Semis.

AIFF gets a taste of its own medicine!

2008-12-13T13:53:00.002+05:30

Match officials in the Mohun Bagan – Mumbai FC match at the Barasat Stadium where targeted by the local fans as they pelted stones and empty bottles. The AIFF sent a letter to Mohun Bagan about the disgraceful incident and asked for an explanation. Bagan replied and apologized for the same. The Indian FA sent another letter warning any such incidents in the future to which Mohun Bagan answered that it wasn’t their responsibility to took into these incidents. “In the first letter, we apologized but not as Mohun Bagan. We regretted the incident and spoke for the state of Bengal. We deeply condemn such incidents. “In our latest letter sent to the AIFF about three days back, we have mentioned that the Barasat Stadium is not out ground. It belongs to East Bengal. Mohun Bagan ground is one of the best in the country and we have repeatedly requested the AIFF to let our home games be played there. “The AIFF sent us a warning that this shouldn’t be repeated. It’s not our lookout if the matches are played at Barasat Stadium. We have stated that the letter sent to the Federation be treated as our official statement and that I won’t be attend the meeting,” said Mohun Bagan president Anjan Mitra.

Barreto scores twice to shoulder out Oil India!

2008-12-12T20:39:00.008+05:30

The Federation Cup campaign started for Mohun Bagan today against the Oil India team. Bagan was out without Odafe(has not been registered, since only two foreigners can be registered) and Manju(out with injury). The Defense didnot seem very formidable with Anand Vasan and Manju filling in their shoes. Kareem went in with Bhaichung-Barreto upfront with Marcos, Masih at the centre and Lalkamal and Mama on the two flanks.

Bagan didnot repeat the mistake they had committed against Mumbai FC in the I League opener and asserted their dominance right from the word go though Oil India with youth on its side played with more kicks and pushes than football.

In the 9th minute of the match, Marcos took a long free kick which the Oil India goalie fumbled and Bhaichung was quick to snatch it off his possession and laid it off for Lalkamal, who sent in an inch perfect centre to meet Barreto's header, which inturn was beautifully placed as the keeper stood his ground, and the ball rolled its way into the net. Bagan 1-0.

Bagan carried on the game with the apparent upperhand, but slowly as the half progressed, they became a bit too complacent to save the one goal lead - and that's when Oil India struck. From a long pass, Oil striker, Durga Boro beating Vasan in pace lofted the ball over a confused Sangram who stood in a no-man's-land and looked the ball sail into the goal from over his head.

Bagan immediately put the pressure back on but after the 36th minute equaliser, they couldnot get the lead in the remainder of the half.

The second half began and it was a completely revamped Bagan side, with Ishfaq replacing Lalkamal and Lalampuia replacing Mama. Ishfaq was doing the much needed running and snatching as Marcos continued playing the role of an impressive mideo controlling the Bagan midfield and Rakesh added strength to the defense.

Bagan was ever so hungry to get the lead and kept trying and trying until in the 64th minute, from a Marcos corner, Bhaichung Bhutia side volleyed the ball towards the goal only to hanled by an Oil defender. Though Barreto had fired in a shot into the goal after the defender handled the ball, the referee pointed to the penalty spot and Barreto converted from the spot as calmly as ever.

Bagan kept on the pressure even after going into the lead for the second time and it was apparent as Oil India slowly lost their way into the match as Ishfaq and Lalampuia made penetrating runs.

Bhaichung came close to scoring twice and Barreto even came close to scoring his hattrick, but the score line read 2-1 in favour of Mohun Bagan.

Mohun Bagan meet Vasco on the 14th.

Leander Paes practise along with Karim's boys

2008-12-09T22:50:00.010+05:30

Today Leander Paes, one of the most successful professional Indian tennis players and also the former captain of the Indian tennis team, paid a surprise visit to the club with which he has had a relation since his childhood. He came at the Mohun Bagan club ground to practise along side Bhaichung and Barreto to work on his fitness ahead of his tournament and relive those moments when he, a boy of seven, used to run around the Mohun Bagan ground with a hockey stick wearing the Mohun Bagan jersey while his father Vece Paes would be busy playing hockey for Mohun Bagan. Leander today joined the Bagan team to work out under Karim.

Mohun Bagan players have been working on their fitness which will be put to test as they play matches in quick succession in the Federation Cup. Physical fitness and fatigue is a major factor which has been worrying Bencharifa and hence he has diverted much of his attention towards increasing the enduarance level of the team.

Maradona visits Mohun Bagan!

2008-12-07T19:38:00.003+05:30

The God entered the temple! Maradona visits the Mohun Bagan tent and then entertains a houseful stadium at the Mohun Bagan club ground. 31 years ago the then God, Pele had visited Mohun Bagan club and now Maradona...the two legends of world football have now become connected with Mohun Bagan... Maradona came into the club tent an then spening sometime, headed for the ground. There he entertained the crowd with antics befitting someone of Maradona's repute...juggling the ball and balancing it on his head and then sending them into the crowd... The crowd went berserk when the soccer lord kissed the Ground and then sent flying kisses to the crowd... However, Maradona was scheduled to attend a few more functions and already running beyond schedule hurried his way out of the Maidan tent of the National club of India, Mohun Bagan...

Maradona to visit Mohun Bagan only!

2008-12-05T01:03:00.003+05:30

Its like a dream come true! Its a once in a life time occassion!

It was Pele 30 years ago, an now its time for the Argentinian Legen Maraona to pay Mohun Bagan a visit! Out of his packe schedule in Kolkata, Maradona is all set to pay Mohun Bagan AC a visit and joy is already in the air.

It is a matter of immense pride for the Mariners, as Maradona will only visit the Mohun Bagan club premises and spend some time with the young talents of the city.

Odafe rested for Federation Cup! Tight scheule worry Karim!

2008-12-04T20:04:00.006+05:30

According AIFF, only two foreigners can play in the Federation Cup for each club and accordingly Mohun Bagan AC has declared its two. Peter Odafe, the tall Nigerian defender, who has ensured a tight defense for Bagan with his towering headers an timely tackles, has been rested by the coach, and the two Brazilians, Jose Ramirez Barreto and Marcos Perriera will play. Not that Odafe is any less better than Marcos, but its just that the coach feels that he is need of a midfielder who can control the match, like Marcos, while the defense without Odafe might look doubtful, but Karim has trust in his inform defenders to cover the missing of Odafe.

Tight Federation Cup schedule worry Karim!

The AIFF though is ever so inclined to take their steps towards professional football, their attempts and ways still remain unprofessional. The Fed Cup, which is the second important tournament in the country has started off from today, 4th December and Mohun Bagan will play their first match on the 12th! Total unprofessional approach has ruined a chance to experience some quality football as the AIFF has scheduled Mohun Bagan's matches almost one after the other. If Mohun Bagan do reach the Finals of their ever so favourite tournament, they would have to play 5 matches in 10 days. Karim is worried about the fatigue factor and renouncing such schedule he vows that his team will give the best.

Bagan's Deadly Duo dump Chirag!

2008-11-29T18:49:00.006+05:30

"Who won?" asked a passer by.

"Mohun Bagan..." came a prompt reply.

"What's the scoreline?" he asked.

"2-0" replied a boy with a grin.

"Who scored?"

"Barreto-Bhaichung, who else..." with a look of satisfaction and confidence.

This was the little conversation I heard on my way back from the stadium and it seemed just perfect...

Karim's boys undid Chirag United's all efforts to salvage even a single point and save themselves from the relegation zone.

Though Chirag tried to force the issue with the beginning of the match, but soon taking control of the midfield, Bagan started to dictate the terms.
Attacks were coming in numbers, but Gopal, Chirag goalie made a couple of saves. But in the 18th minute, Barreto, off a Tulunga centre, headed in the first goal.

Bagan kept the tempo up and in the 29th minute, Bhaichung took a side volley to beat the keeper.

The entire first half Bagan reaigne supreme in the field giving Chirag strikers no chance to even come close. Vasan, Odafe and Habibur looked steady.

In the second half, Karim concentrate more on defending the two goals and not to humiliate Subrata Bhattacharya's side. Shilton seemed very solid under the post and didnot find any much of a problem tackling the few shots that came his way.

The quality of refereeing however has to be brought into attention of the AIFF by the Bagan officials. Through out the match, Barreto had to manage hard tackles for which he at the most got a free kick and at times not even that. Whereas Barreto ended up seeing a yellow card for sliding tackle. Marcos and Rakesh Masih were also booked today.

Bagan with todays win cemented their 2nd spot at the en of he 1st leg of the I League with 21 points from 11 matches.

Bhaichung ensure Bagan second spot after 10th round!

2008-11-26T16:17:00.003+05:30

Mahindra United have won just once against Mohun Bagan at Kolkata in all the I League encounters while Bagan has won the lion's share. Records remained intact as Mohun Bagan captain, Bhaichung Bhutia made sure Bagan came out with 3 points against Mahindra to move up to the top 3 of the I League Table after the 10th round.

The match started with Bagan slightl losing the initiative to Mahindra as they Steven Dias & Co. tried to create some disturbance in the Bagan defence and came close to scoring twice.

But as the game progressed, Bagan defence starring Marcos and Masih took control and put a hault to Mahindra's progress. The half ended with both the teams having equal opportunities but the score board read 0-0.

The second half had barely begun, when Mohun Bagan struck through Bhaichung Bhutia. Dipak Mondal moved into the Mahindra penalty box from the left and let in a low centre to Bhaichung. The ball was spilled by Bhaichung but it came back to him off a Mahindra defender and he made full use of the opportunity. With a half turn, Bhaichung placed the ball across the face of the goal and the keeper stretched in vein as the ball entangled in the net.

Bagan though defended the goal for the remainder, Bagan played some quite exceptional football with numerous passes and laid ope the Mahindra defense on more than one ocassion. Barreto was however, clearly tripped inside the box as he was about to trigger a shot, but the refree, quite to the surprise of the spectators signalled "play on"

The only concern for Karim would be that, against Chirag, he will miss the services of Sangram and Deepak Mandal due to double booking.

After 5 matches, Bagan were on 3 points. Now after 10 matches, they are on 18 points with just Sporting club leading the table with a difference of 4 points.

Lalkamal makes the day for Bagan! Bagan down Vasco 2-1

2008-11-20T18:01:00.008+05:30

Mohun Bagan played Vasco away from home, in Goa and made sure they collect full 3 points against a team which has been languishing at the bottom of the league table to ensure the Mariners stay in the hunt for the I league title. Bagan are on 15 points, just 4 points behind the league leaders Sporting club de Goa.

Mohun Bagan continued their winning streak for 4 continuous I League matches and it seems like the Bagan wheel is on a roll with Karim fuel pushing it.

Bagan though went a goal down in the 29th minute, came back through Rakesh Masih in the 31st minute. From an inswinging corner sent in, Masih connected a reaching header to equalise for Bagan. The half ended on 1-1.

Lalkamal Bhowmick, who came in place of Ishfaq Ahmed, scored the winner with the beginning of the second half. The goal itself is evident to Lalkamal's personal skills, as he took a long ranger from outside the penalty box but the shot rebounded off a defender and came back to Lalkamal, who dodged his was inside the box and taking on two defenders with a magical wand of his legs, let in a left footer to beat the keeper. He had not scored for Bagan after the first leg match against Peerless last season, which Bagan won 7-0! That was last when Lalkamal had scored for Bagan and today Lalkamal contributed to a winning cause and that hopefully would boost his confidence level.

Bagan are on 15 points from 9 matches and very much in the race for the title...

10 men Mohun Bagan play magical football to murder JCT!

2008-11-16T20:46:00.008+05:30

If this club doesnot deserve to win the I league, then who does? 90 mins of Magical football is all that Karim Bencharifa's boys had to offer against JCT! Who would say this team was on 3 points from 5 matches, now they are on 12 points from 8 matches and they seem to be on a roll and mow any opposition down, come what may... After a 10 men struggling win against the mighty Dempo, a Barreto-less win against the Churchill, Mohun Bagan strangle JCT even after being reduced to 10 men again. Even after being reduced to 10 men at the stroke of Half time, nobody expected Mohun Bagan to play the football they played in the second half. Karim's confidence in his boys and their ability to cope with every situation was apparent once again. Though the main pillar of Bagan defense, Odafe was sent off, Karim stuck with the same set of players without worrying about his defense as he did not care to send in any new defenders, instead made Rakesh Masih to fill in for Odafe, who never fail to impress us. He was impressive in the midfield in the first half and then an ace in defense in the second half. The football which the team played today, was purely "magical". The match started off with Bagan stepping on the gas from the word go and the JCT defense seemed a bit jittery to start off with. Bagan brought on waves of attacks and finally in the 15th minute, Ishfaq Ahmed headed in the first goal from a long cross sent in by James from the right. Only minutes later, Manju had the chance of doubling the lead, but he could not manage to keep it in. JCT however came close once when JCT player hit the post but just could not open the goal mouth through out the match, thanx to Deepak and Masih. In the 31st minute, Barreto was pushed from behind inside the box and was awarded a penalty, which Barreto did not fail to convert. Though the keeper guessed the right side, precision beat the keeper than anything else.

At the stroke of halftime, Odafe received the second booking of the match and was sent off much to the worry of the Bagan fans. But in the 2nd half, Bagan though went defensive, it can be said that Bagan played a much superior quality of football. Sangram had to deal with just a few shots that made its way to the goal, while the other ones were dealt with by the defense. Marcos again showed why the coach has trust in him as Rakesh and he took tremendous load in the midfield to unsettle JCT and make the day easy for Bagan! Mohun Bagan after his win, has managed to win against threeof the tougher teams of the I League and on all the three ocassions have managed a clean sheet!

Karim might play 3 forwards against JCT!

2008-11-13T17:53:00.005+05:30

JCT, who stand on otherwise level ground with Mohun Bagan but are only ahead as far as goal difference is concerned, are to meet Mohun Bagan on the 16th of this month ! Infact along with Bagan, East Bengal are also stuck on 9 points from 7 matches but only they have +1 goal difference compared to -1 of Bagan! The goal difference issue has already been a thorn in the flesh for Karim Bencharifa, when last season he had to settle for the runner's up trophy coaching Churchill, who ended their I league campaign second only to Dempo, with same points as Dempo but lagging behind in goal difference!
Karim will not take any chances this season with Mohun Bagan. After grooving into the winning ways by defeating the reigning champions Dempo on their home ground, and after winning against Churchill Brothers and ending their unbeaten run in the I League, Karim has shifted all focus to the job at hand- the match against JCT. It wont be an easy match by any stretch of imagination and that is the reason why Karim would want to field his inform players.
The defensive combination of Habibur, Odafe, Dipak, Manju seems to be working and has been successful in defending a solitary goal through out the match against Churchill- that should give them the confidence.
Upfront, Bhaichung may be supported by inform Lalawmpuia. Lalawmpuia has scored 2 goals off the 3 matches he has played his I League and the match he did not score, he created the scoring opportunity for Branco. Injury had nudged him out of action but he announced his return his the only goal against Churchill and winning the match for Bagan. Barreto, who missed the last match might start off as an attacking midfielder and then judging by match situation, might move up along side Bhaichung and Lalwmpuia.
Marcos, who after his inclusion, has lent much composure in the midfield, might be supported by Ishfaq and Sr. James Singh.
What the final line up would be, that remains to be seen, but Karim certainly is weighing his options with Lalawmpuia.

Diego Maradona against Mohun Bagan!

2008-11-10T23:27:00.005+05:30

It was the Black Pearl in 1977, who came to Calcutta to play a match against the oldest club of Asia. Pele played for Cosmos against Mohun Bagan AC and managed to restrict Bagan to a 2-2 draw!

Then, along came Roger Milla, the African legend in 1989, centenary year of Mohun Bagan AC...

This year in May, Oliver Kahn, the living legend, the greatest German goalkeeper, played his last game against the National club of India, Mohun Bagan AC...

and now the Prince of world football is here...Diego Maradona...the Argentinian wonder, the superman...

The ex-World Cup winner will visit the Mother House, Kolkata, which is the headquarters of Missionaries of Charity and also inaugurate the Indian Football School in the city. The probable date of his arrival has been declared to be 6th December.

The West Bengal State Government has decided to felicitate the Argentinian Coach on his arrival in the city and if possible will arrange a 10 minutes match against the City Giant, Mohun Bagan AC!

However, such a proposition seems highly unlikely, because according to FIFA rules, Once a person has been appointed as the Coach of a Football Team under FIFA, such person shall not be allowed to play football, other than for the purpose of coaching...

Churchill Bros. bear the brunt of a resurgent Bagan!

2008-11-09T20:33:00.006+05:30

It was Dempo last week and now Churchill, Karim's boys are doing it the hard way! Full 6 points against the two of the tougher teams in the I league and keeping a clean sheet on both the occasions. Nothing short of brilliance! A 10 men side against Dempo, a Barreto less side against Churchill...yet two wins! Is the Karim Magic back? That remains to be seen until the end of the league(a sceptic's opinion)...but surely the two wins against Dempo and Churchill have come as something more than an energy drink for Karim's boys and their admirers... Bagan started off today against Churchill at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, with Bhaichung and Lalampuia upfront since Barreto was out with two bookings. The Bagan defense seemed much experienced featuring, Manju, Dipak, Odafe and Habibur. Churchill boasted Odafa Okili and Karim had Odafe to 'tackle' him who kept him in and "goal tight" container. Bagan drew first blood in the 14 minute courtesy a lovely goal from Lalampuia. Marcos lofted a ball over the head of India international defender, Gourmangi Singh to Lalam, who pushed the ball past the advancing Churchill goalie. Churchill was not going to make life easy for the Bagan defenders and the Bagan defense showed some much desired character. Though the defense did seem desperate at times, yet confidence - is the key factor that the Bagan defense has acquired after the Dempo match. It did seem that Sangram was having a few moments of misunderstanding with the defense, but Manju stood defiant against the Churchill attack and protected the goal. After the match when Karim was questioned about his "weak" defence, the Bagan coach fumed at the reporter as he reminded that his so called weak defense has maintained a clean sheet against not only Dempo, but today also against a side which has scored 12 goals so far, Churchill Brothers! When questioned about Marcos's fitness and pace, his performance today should silence the critics, as he earned the Man of the Match today!

Bagan bang 9 goals in practice match!

2008-11-05T19:00:00.004+05:30

Mohun Bagan today played a practice match at the club ground just to warm them up for the Churchill match that is this weekend. Bagan banged in 9 goals against a lowly Budge Budge Academy and Lalampuia, who had been out of action for a few weeks nursing an injury scored a hat trick. With Barreto sitting out the Churchill match owing to double booking, Lalampuia will have to accompany the Indian Ronaldo, Bhaichung Bhutia upfront.

Among the goal scorers were Dipak, Lalkamal, Bhaichung, Kisku, each scoring a piece and Masih a brace, topped by Lalampuia with a hat trick.

Final score read 9-0.

Team: Shilton, Karan Atwal, Manju, Dipak, Mohanraj, Lalkamal, Marcos, Mesih, Rahul Kumar, Baichung, Lalampuia

A defiant 10-men Bagan side edge past Dempo!

2008-10-31T20:13:00.008+05:30

Bagan registered their first win in the 08-09 edition of the I League and the victory came as a pain killer for the Bagan fans as the first full three points came against one of the better teams of the Indian League, Dempo Sports Club, Goa. Certainly this victory will be cherished by the Green and Maroon brigade as this is not only the first victory after the things had started going wrong after the CFL triumph, but this also has come from an away match and even so from Goa.

Karim Bencharifa, after the Derby draw had expressed his apprehensions about the future of his team in the I league which will become more competitive as the league progresses. It was important for Bagan to win this match just to keep the hopes living.

Bagan went into this match with the famous duo of Barreto-Bhaichung upfront but with a suspect defense Karim had to pin his hopes to the two best players in India, Barreto and Bhaichung.

The match started off with Bagan playing a "wait and watch" game and slowly tried to gain control and just then the Bagan defense received a jolt. In the 33rd minute of the match Anand Vasan received the second yellow of the match and was sent off. Bagan reduced to 10 men against Dempo in Goa. A difficult proposition...

Dempo as expected stepped on the gas and tried to play the pressure game and waited for the Bagan defense to commit the error. But Bagan defense did not crumble under pressure and Dipak seemed quite impressive in the back.

With the beginning of the second half, Bhaichung Bhutia was pulled down inside the penalty box and the referee pointed to the spot. Barreto stepped up and converted from the spot and put Bagan in the lead.

10 men Bagan had to put up a valiant battle against a Dempo side starring Ranty Martins, Beto, Steven Dias and other players of repute.

However, Dempo failed to force the issue and Bagan defense neither gave them the chance and Mohun Bagan went on to registered their first win in this edition of I league riding the sole goal from Barreto.

Barreto to miss Churchill match!

Mohun Bagan will however, miss the invalueable services of the Bagan Ace, Jose Ramirez Barreto in the next match against Churchill on the 9th of November following a double booking. He had already received a caution against Mohd. Sporting and today he received another yellow card.

Anand Vasan and Barreto will have to sit out in the match against Churchill Brothers who will play their away match in Salt Lake Stadium.

Mohun Bagan general election on 2nd November!

2008-10-29T10:04:00.002+05:30

The Mohun Bagan General Election which had been scheduled for November the 2nd is to be held at the Club Premises on that day!

Bagan fail to hold early lead! Derby ends in 1-1 draw!

2008-10-27T20:14:00.006+05:30

There could not have been a better occasion for Karim's boys' to make a start afresh in the 2008 I League than by winning the Calcutta Derby on Saturday and the stage was set as the veteran India and Bagan captain, Bhaichung Bhutia made his return sound loud in the 2nd minute of the match with a goal! If only, Bagan defense could have defended the goal...

Barely a minute had passed when Ishfaq made a cutting run through the left and made a short centre which Bhaichung receiving acrobatically evaded two East Bengal defenders and then squeezed in a bullet through Subrata Pal's legs. Bagan were up 1-0!

The slushy condition made playing football a tough job as both the teams tried hard to make any headway. Bagan defense with Habibur back in the side seemed confident and with Barreto and Bhaichung upfront with Ishfaq making cutting runs into the East Bengal defense seemed good enough for Bagan, until Marcos spilled the beans and gifted Yakubu with a ball inside the Bagan half. Yakubu made some progress with the ball and sent in a through to Syed Rahim Nabi and Nabi placed the equaliser for East Bengal past Shilton as Bagan defense stood ball watching.

The equaliser came late in the half and till the end of the first half, it was 1-1.

With the beginning of the second half, Shilton was replaced by Sangram and the most interesting incident of the half followed just minutes later as Rakesh Masih flew in with a sliding tackle on East Bengal side back Surkumar. Surkumar retaliated with a foot-stab on Rakesh and then followed it with a punch that threw Bhaichung down who had come to cool his temper. Surkumar received the marching order from the Referee and the East Bengal goalie Subrata Pal ensured a booking for himself as he kept spitting insults at the referee. Except this incident there is hardly anything to talk about that happened in the second half.

What would hurt Karim and the Bagan fans is that Mohun Bagan failed to capitalise and force the issue against a ten men East Bengal side. Mohun Bagan surprisingly came up with very ordinary display of football in the second half and did not seem to threaten Subrata Pal, who however, could have received another yellow card for his excessive time wasting tactics.

The team seemed to lack the drive even after going 5 matches without a win and Karim will be having his handful for the rest of the I League handling pressure from both ends.

Marcos signs for Bagan, finally!

2008-10-22T09:21:00.005+05:30

The ice between JCT and Mohun Bagan over the Marcos issue has finally been broken and JCT has released Marcos, realising that he had no intentions of going back to JCT. However such release came only after much pressure and counter pressure from both the sides and in the process JCT have successfully denied Marcos's services to Bagan as the third foreigner for the first four matches. Bagan had to pay a sum of money as Transfer fee to JCT.

However, Marcos Perriera has officially signed for Mohun Bagan as the third foreigner and will feature against East Bengal FC in the coming derby.

Barreto fights a lone battle!

2008-10-21T21:28:00.002+05:30

Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting — the top two from the Calcutta league — played out a 1-1 draw at the Salt Lake Stadium in their I-League encounter on Sunday. The result leaves both sides on two points from four matches — just above bottom placed Vasco SC in the league standings. Saddled with injuries both Shabbir Ali and Karim Bencharifa were forced to field makeshift sides. The patchwork Mohammedan Sporting defence saw the on-loan pair from Peerless, Madhab Das and Anit Ghosh in central positions and Gurpreet Singh and Bijoy Das as the side backs. At the other end, Deepak Mondal slotted in the unusual role of right back, with Peter Odafe and Anand Vasan playing in the heart of defence. Bencharifa kept his faith on the low on confidence Mohan Raj at the left back position. When the Bagan defence was breached first, three minutes from kick-off , most interpreted it as an early sign for a blockbuster Sunday. It was the brilliant Theodore Sunday who created the goal for young Goutam Thakur. The Liberian intercepted a through ball from Mike Okoro and skipped past Peter Odafe’s challenge. He then somehow managed to keep his balance as custodian Shilton Paul charged forward. After rounding the keeper, Sunday showed his acumen as a clever cutback to Thakur, 10 yards from the goal left the youngster with little to do. Bagan were down by a goal, before they realised what hit them. What followed next was a fierce onslaught from the green and maroon brigade. Barreto came close twice with headers going wide off Mohan Raj’s long throws. The bumbling pair of Madhab and Anit lived dangerously before succumbing in the 23rd minute. Malswamtluanga’s low cross from the outside right wasn’t cut out by Anit and Bijoy and it landed at Jose Ramirez Barreto’s feet on the bounce. The Brazilian then rolled back the years — first teeing it up with a single touch and then volleying home, while falling backwards. 1-1 and a thrilling showdown was on the cards. Sunday and Rakesh Masih came close with efforts on target before the interval. The second half saw Mohammedan Sporting get off the blocks quicker. Sunday who despite carrying an injury showed his class time and again with sharp turns and silken control, came close in the 63rd minute. Shilton was stretched to parry out the striker’s crack on goal after he controlled Gurpreet’s pass perfectly. Thakur had a chance to win it for his side, but he headed over the crosspiece when instead he had to nod it in from point blank in the 70th minute. The reply from Bagan never quite came, as the game disintegrated steadily in the last quarter. The mindless action on the pitch, similar to an average pinball game saw aimless kicks and misdirected passes before the referee blew for time. TEAMS Mohun Bagan: Shilton Paul, Deepak Mondal, Peter Odafe, Anand Vasan, Mohan Raj, S. Malswamtluanga(Tapan Maity, 78’), L. James Singh(Henry Gangte, 65’), Rakesh Masih, Lalkamal Bhowmick(Kartick Kisku, 85’), Ishfaq Ahmed, Jose Ramirez Barreto

JCT softens on Marcos issue!

2008-10-18T13:09:00.003+05:30

After Bagan officials had reffered the Marcos lien issue to the AIFF Player Status Committe, the facts came out and it was found that Marcos is actually not registered with JCT, but he was registered under the Punjab Football Association. Bagan officials with the help of Kuljit Singh, a Punjab Police high Official, were trying to make Marcos register under a Punjab club and hen take him in lien.

However, the latest development on this issue as received today is that, JCT will ease any transfer problems regarding Marcos, provided Mohun Bagan meet a few of their monetary demands. What seemed like Mohun agan would not be able to avail the services of Marcos till December, it is most likely that the issue will be solved in the next two to three days and that would make Marcos available to Bagan before the derby match, if not against Mohammedan Sp.

Sporting Clube stun Bagan!

2008-10-14T22:35:00.001+05:30

Sporting Clube de Goa scored a goal in each half to down depleted Mohun Bagan 2-0 in the third round of the ONGC I-League, played at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. The winners, who led 1-0 at half time, scored through an own goal (25th) and substitute Nathaniel Amos (47th). The win, their third in a row, took Sporting Clube de Goa to the top of the table with nine points from three matches. Bagan, who suffered their second defeat, have one point from three matches. The Sporting Clube de Goa midfield combined well, having the lion’s share of ball possession. Joseph Pereira and Harmanjot Khabra stitched some nice moves as Sporting built most of their moves on the left to keep their rival defence under pressure. Sporting surged ahead in the 25th minute through Wilton Gomes. Joseph, who kept the rival defence guessing with deceptive crosses, sent a measured cross to medio Wilton Gomes, who headed the ball towards the goal. Bagan defender Mohan Raj shot the ball into his own goal trying to make a clearance, making it 1-0. Bagan lacked the penetration to trouble the rival defence. However, they did manage to create some scoring chances. Jose Ramirez Baretto, who played as the lone striker, was fed with long balls by Lalkamal Bhowmick. The wily striker did get away from his marker on a couple of occasion to create chances for Ishfaq Ahmed and Malsawmtluanga, who failed to capitalise on the chances. Sporting continued to enjoy the upper hand in the second half and increased the lead in the 47th minute through their new Nigerian recruit Nathaniel Amos, who came in place of Joychandra Singh late in the first half.

Branco's equaliser save Bagan from blushes!

2008-10-04T19:38:00.005+05:30

Branco Cardozo, was brought in as a late substitute by Karim, when Mohun Bagan was trailing Air India by one goal, and the promising young Bagan striker did not disappoint the Bagan fans as he managed to score the equaliser and give Bagan a point.

The match started off with Bagan pouncing on the Air India defense bringing up waves of attack one after the other. Ishfaq Ahmed, continued his brilliant form and along with Lalkamal Bhowmick, the duo effected some commendable attacks. With the properly orchestrated attack from Lalkamal and Ishfaq, the Air India custodian had a tough time under the bar and did his best to deny Bagan from scoring. However, just before the half time, Bagan conceded a goal against the run of play.

In the second half, Mama was introduced to revitalise the right flank but to no avail. However, Lalampuia, finally found a free ball, directed by Barreto and made his way into the box and it was quite unselfish of him, when he pushed the ball across the goal to Branco who was free and he pounced on the occasion and converted it into a goal.

Karim after the match, confessed that the Bagan team has not been performing upto its true potential and its not an easy job for him to make a young team work like magic and said time is the essence. The young brigade has been finding it hard to cope up with the pressure of the Calcutta crowd and Karim is trying his best to make things work.

Injury worry trouble Karim!

2008-09-30T23:05:00.004+05:30

Mohun Bagan's injury list just got more populated! As it is, Dipak Mondal, Habibur Rahman Mondal, Sangram Mukherjee were out with injury, now India and Mohun Bagan Captain Bhaichung Bhutia is to sit out for the coming two matches. Doctor has advised him not to take to the field for at least 3 weeks

Mumbai Fc make Bagan pay for missed chances!

2008-09-27T23:15:00.003+05:30

When the oldest club of the country met the nascent Mumbai FC, in the I league opener for Mohun Bagan, the newly formed club had some tricks up its sleeve to deceive the wiser club and run away with three points from their away match. The Match was played in an utterly unplayable condition at the Barasat Stadium, with the rain pouring continuously before the match and through out. The field, by the end of the match had turned into a muddy pond, with players fresh with a mud bath. However, the match was nothing shocker for the Bagan fans, as the Mumbai FC side hit the ground running and caught Karim's Boys lagging in speed and effectiveness. The absence of a creative midfielder could be felt as Ishfaq was the lone man taking the game opponent. Bhaichung missed a easy chance created by Ishfaq at the very beginning and on the other side, Shilton, who was trusted under the Bagan bar after almost a better part of a year, came up with a twin save. But not long could Bagan defense hold back Hammond as he picked up a back pass from Odafe and beating Manju he took a scorching volley. Minutes later a movement from the right saw Koluthungan scoring for Mumbai FC off a diving header. There was not much in the remaining of the half. The second half saw Bagan despearate to score but as the midfield failed to gain control it became very difficult. Karim brought on Lalwampuia on for Mama and it was Puia, who scored the solitary goal for Bagan. After taking an in-step, out-step and again an in-step, he drove the ball past the Mumbai FC custodian, Kalyan Choubey! Bhaichung again missed a open net header and not to mention the time his shot hit the upright and rolled teasingly over the goal-line before being cleared by a Mumbai Fc defender. Team: Shilton, Odafe, Manju, Dipak, Rino Antao(Mohunraj), Jr. James, Rakesh, Ishfaq, Tulunga(Lalawmpuia),

Mohun Bagan officials meet Tottenham Hotspur!

2008-09-26T21:28:00.005+05:30

Academy Marketing Director Mrs. Sohini Mitra Chaubey had a meeting with Executive Director (Paul Barber) and Head of International Development (Fran Jones) of Tottenham Hotspur. The main agenda of the meeting was youth developement. Tottenham officials were happy to see the infrastructure and enthusiasm of Mohun Bagan towards youth development. Sohini informed them about the recent success of U-12 team in Paris and Under-19 league in Jamshedpur. The meeting was quite successful. Details will be disclosed later in a press meet. Further talks will be held between the two sides later on. Read More Source: Mohun Bagan.com

Bagan to miss Marcos against Mumbai FC! Mohun Bagan ties up with Suvidhaa!

2008-09-24T21:53:00.004+05:30

Mohun Bagan were unable to ensure Brazilian Marcos Pereira’s service as the tussle with JCT over his lien continues.

JCT coach, Sukhwinder Singh had earlier agreed to grant Marcos's lien to Bagan, as soon as the Brazilian referred to JCT by Marcos would arrive. But now Mr. Sukhwinder Singh seems to be singing a different song. Now he demands that only if the foreigner seems good enough to him, he will clear Marcos for Bagan. Karim Bencharifa said his team had enough firepower to overcome the absence of a third foreigner during the early part of the league. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan announced a pact with multiple service providers Suvidhaa for I-League ticket distribution. Fans will be able to buy I-League tickets for Bagan’s matches from Suvidhaa’s various outlets across the city. Mohun Bagan is the only club from Kolkata, of the three others, Mohammedan Sp., East Bengal and Chirag Utd. to have accepted the AIFF's invitation to sell the I league tickets. The other club's were simply incapable to manage and organise any such operations.

Mumbai FC ready to give Bagan a run for their money!

2008-09-22T07:01:00.004+05:30

Mumbai FC coach David Booth is all geared up for the upcoming I-League and doesn’t feel that his side would start their campaign as underdogs against Mohun Bagan at Barasat Stadium on September 27.

The Bagan upfront has the likes of Baichung Bhutia, Jose Barreto and PC Lalawmpuia — a combination that can give sleepless nights to any coach. Booth, however, appears unperturbed. Rather, he is a tad apprehensive about whether his young boys would be able to produce their best in front of a packed house that would go ga-ga to see a Bagan win.

“I’m only thinking about whether the youngsters would be able to handle the pressure. It’s not easy to play in front of thousands of partisan fans. If they don’t choke, they would give Bagan a run for their money,” Booth said.

“I’m not really worried about Bagan’s strengths. They have quality players, but my job is to help the boys perform to their potential,” he added.
The British coach is not really happy with the fitness level of his players. According to him, that was the reason why the team couldn’t put up a decent performance in the Durand Cup and was eliminated in the quarterfinals. “Personally, I didn’t want to participate in the Durand Cup. Instead, my idea was to go for an intensive training programme. But we had to participate (in the Durand Cup). So, I chose a line-up comprising basically the juniors. “I’m not too unhappy with their performance, though there’s always room for improvement, especially on fitness count. We have been working to improve their fitness level,” Booth observed.
As for the I-league, the new Ghanaian recruit Abel Hammond, fresh from his stint with the Italian third division club Brescia FC, is going to be his trump card. “Given a choice between Barreto, Yakubu and Hammond, I would choose the latter,” Booth said. Hammond didn’t play in the Durand Cup. But his performance in warm-up matches, have impressed one and all. Said midfielder Noel Wilson: “I don’t want to say much at this moment. If Hammond stays fit, he will set the I-League on fire.” The Ghanaian would be paired up with Nigerian Felix upfront. The latter has also impressed his coach with his showings in the I-League qualifiers and the Durand Cup.
In Kalyan Chowbe, Noel Wilson and Sanjoy Parte team has experience. Booth wants a perfect blend of experience and youth which, according to him, would be the key to success.

It would be baptism by fire for Mumbai FC who are playing the I-League for the first time. For a newcomer, to bump into four toughest teams of the tournament in first four matches is certainly not a very welcoming prospect. Coach, however, keeps his fingers crossed. “Our first four games are against Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mahindra United and Dempo SC. The outcome of these matches would decide our fate in the I-League,” Booth concluded.