Kolkata: Minerva Punjab have never beaten East Bengal in the I-League, but on Tuesday, they would will be the favourites in a high-octane clash that may decide the course of the championships, when the two square-off at the Barasat Stadium.
After 10 games the Chandigarh based club, leads the line with 25 points, six ahead of the Red and Golds who have played a match more.
That they are yet to win the I-league title even once, ever since it has susbstitued the National Football League (NFL) has put East Bengal under enormous pressure and that combined with the double derby debacle means talks of ‘Khalid Jamil go back’ have started doing the rounds in Maidan.
But for a man who was destined by many to lead the Kolkata giants to a long eluded title, Jamil don’t seems to give up. He had got into a conflict with the fans days earlier and on Monday said that the match against Minerva will be “the toughest match.”
One that may also “Be a turning point for both sides” added the former Indian international whose only club football experience was limited to Mumbai.
Forced to release Willis Plaza for lack of scoring goals especially after that 0-2 derby defeat to arch-rivals Mohun Bagan, whose season has been a roller-coster, East Bengal signed Liberian Ansumana Kromah — whom the Mariners released days earlier, perhaps for the same reason — and he with Dudu Omagbemi will lead the attack against the Punjabi Warriors, with former Bagan star Katsumi Yusa behind them.
But Minerva Punjab, currently on a winning run of four away games — including the 2-1 win against Mohun Bagan — are confident of abother victory.
“We are ready to play anywhere” said coach Khogen Singh. Who also believes that the pressure that East Bengal are in at the moment after the derby destruction, has made it a perfect time for the Minervans to face them.
“East Bengal are under pressure at the moment so perfect time to play against them. They are a big team and we know (they are under pressure).”
They have conceded just six goals, which is two less than what they shipped in against East Bengal last season across the two legs (5-0, 1-3). It the lowest in the league in terms of conceding and they have scored 14 times bringing about a sweet balnce. But for a team that often fields four U-22 players their high-confidence is justified by the fact ethat’s they have dropped points just twice, one of which was a surprise defeat to current champions Aizwal.
Chencho Gyltshen and William Opoku, two of the U-22 players have hunted in pairs and with nine goals will search for the 10th against the Red and Golds.