Howrah News Service -  Latest news and headlines on Howrah,West Bengal and World: East Bengal to play against Cape Town based Santos FC at Howrah stadium tomorrow

East Bengal to play against Cape Town based Santos FC at Howrah stadium tomorrow
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SportsDesk on 03 March, 2008 03:39:00
 
Mohun Bagan, after yesterday’s big win (3-0) against Mohammedan Sporting,
they have a fair chance to book their berth for the semi-final. They only need a
win against the Bangladeshi outfit Dhaka Mohammedan at Barasat stadium tomorrow.
East Bengal, after losing their first match against Mahindra United at Barasat
yesterday, have reduced their chance for qualifying in the semi-final. They will
have to improve their performance by miles against Cape Town based Santos FC at
Howrah stadium tomorrow. Santos FC defeated Mahindra United 2-0 in their first
match and will start as favourites against the Federation Cup champions.
The match was scheduled to be held at Barasat. But after an attack on East
Bengal players by a violent bunch of crowd, the club, showing reluctance to play
at the same ground, sent a letter to the Indian Football Association. And the
organiser decided to hold the match at Howrah stadium, which the venue for the
match between Mohun Bagan and Dhaka Mohammedan. Mohun Bagan missed the service
of some of their key players yesterday, once again in a crucial tie, unfit
Dharamjit Singh, NS Manju, S Venkatesh will not be able to participate.
“Their health condition has improved, but they will not be playing
tomorrow. Lalkamal Bhowmik is feeling better now. I'll not change the winning
combination against Dhaka Mohammedan,” Mr Carlos Roberto Parreira, Mohun
Bagan coach said.
“The Barasat stadium is not as good as Salt Lake. It has a bouncy surface
and quality of the grass is different. Moreover, it is a small ground and
environment will be totally different from Yuva Bharati. I have told my boys to
prepare accordingly and I hope they will cope with the condition well,” he
added.
Mohun Bagan will play Dhaka Mohammedan for the first time under Mr
Parreira’s supervision and the Brazilian has instructed his team not to
play for a draw but for a win.
“I personally don’t know much idea about my opponent. We played an
attacking football against Mohammedan Sporting and got a good result.
We’ll apply the same strategy tomorrow,” he explained.
In a must win situation, Mohammedan Sporting take on Churchill Brothers at the
Salt Lake stadium. Churchill Brothers were held to a 1-1 draw by Dhaka
Mohammedan and will have to win the tie to enter last four.