Tomorrow, Mohammedan SC will host Mohun Bagan SG in a highly anticipated derby clash. On paper, the two teams stand at opposite ends of the table, with Mohun Bagan leading at the top while Mohammedan SC sits at the bottom. However, derbies are more than just numbers, they are battles of passion, pride, both the teams coaches stated that as well before the match.

In the matchday minus-one training, Joseph Adjei trained normally with the team after returning from his long-term injury. Additionally, Mohammedan SC’s new signing, Marc Andre, also participated in training, and both players could be available for tomorrow’s clash. On the other hand, Anirudh Thapa and Alberto Rodriguez did not join the training session. Only Thapa was unavailable in the previous match due to injuries, and their status for tomorrow remains uncertain.

Mohammedan SC have spent 57.5% of their total playing time this season with the score level, the highest in the league. And conceded seven goals from corners this season, the most in the league. In contrast, Mohun Bagan SG leads with nine goals from set-pieces. Mohammedan will need to stay vigilant to prevent the Mariners from exploiting these opportunities.

The Mariners have kept 10 clean sheets in 18 games, conceding just 14 goals which is fewest in the ongoing league, and boasting the highest goal difference (18).

In the pre-match press conference, Mohammedan SC’s assistant coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo and player Florent Ogier addressed the media, while Mohun Bagan SG’s head coach Jose Molina and player Vishal Kaith represented their team.

Wadoo trusts his team to give it their all in the derby:

“We have nothing to lose, we want to go all out for this. We have no fear. We respect Mohun Bagan, they are a good team, but I believe in the players. If we do things rightly, yeah, it’s difficult to beat Mohun Bagan. At the end of the day, if we see the table, Mohun Bagan is on top, and we are at the bottom. But this is a derby, a completely different game. For both teams, this is a special game. We will have a huge number of fans who are going to back us, they want us to win”, he said.

Mohun Bagan SG Coach and Goalkeeper at press conference before the match against Mohammedan SC

Molina confident in his team’s fight and determination:

“This is not going to be easy. Even with all the trouble they have, they are showing their fight in the last matches fighting and putting others under pressure. They are a really good team. And sometimes, there is a difference between winning and losing. Tomorrow, we have to fight a lot, I have no doubt. And I am confident we can do it, we can win. We will give our hundred percent” he said.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant have won the only ISL encounter between these two teams.