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Federation Cup: Beating Mahindra Highlights Our Strengths - Mohun Bagan's Karim Bencherifa
There’s every reason to smile...
28-Dec-2009 11:20:50 AM
Mohun Bagan needed a victory in their final group match
where they faced Mahindra United and got the desired result with a 2-0 victory.
It was the manner of their victory which would inflict fear in the minds of their
next opponents, East Bengal who were already thrashed by the same outfit with a
5-3 scoreline which saw Subhash Bhowmick being compelled to resign back in October this year.
Looking a tad off-colour against Chirag United where they were held to a 0-0 draw thanks to the physicality of the game, the onus was on the defending champions needing a win.
It was indeed a dominating performance from the Green and Maroons as they held their nerves to beat the faltering Mahindra United side, who had to exit from the tournament at the same stage where they were eliminated last season.
“I’m very pleased with the performance and the result. Mahindra United are a strong team and beating them obviously highlights our strength,” said coach Karim Bencherifa.
On being asked to highlight as to where was the game won and lost, the Moroccan mentioned about the crosses drying up for Mahindra, which is one of their most important ploys to attack.
“For me, our flanks worked really well with Surkumar and James on the right and Saga and Ishfaq on the left. Credit must go to them.
“The team spirit in our team is there for everyone to see. I would credit Mahindra and their coach for playing football and at least looking to win as opposed to our previous game (against Chirag).
“We had a plan and did well to execute it.”
The Mariners next face arch rivals East Bengal on New Year’s Eve in the second semi-finals of the Federation Cup.
Rahul Bali.
For more on Federation Cup, please visit our Federation Cup section!
Looking a tad off-colour against Chirag United where they were held to a 0-0 draw thanks to the physicality of the game, the onus was on the defending champions needing a win.
It was indeed a dominating performance from the Green and Maroons as they held their nerves to beat the faltering Mahindra United side, who had to exit from the tournament at the same stage where they were eliminated last season.
“I’m very pleased with the performance and the result. Mahindra United are a strong team and beating them obviously highlights our strength,” said coach Karim Bencherifa.
On being asked to highlight as to where was the game won and lost, the Moroccan mentioned about the crosses drying up for Mahindra, which is one of their most important ploys to attack.
“For me, our flanks worked really well with Surkumar and James on the right and Saga and Ishfaq on the left. Credit must go to them.
“The team spirit in our team is there for everyone to see. I would credit Mahindra and their coach for playing football and at least looking to win as opposed to our previous game (against Chirag).
“We had a plan and did well to execute it.”
The Mariners next face arch rivals East Bengal on New Year’s Eve in the second semi-finals of the Federation Cup.
Rahul Bali.
For more on Federation Cup, please visit our Federation Cup section!
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