Category: 2nd Division League

MOHAMMEDAN SC TARGET LANGSNING SCALP

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club are looking to put their disappointing defeat to TRAU FC behind them, when they host Langsning FC in a Preliminary Round Group C encounter of the 2nd Division League at Barasat Stadium on Monday (April 9, 2018). The match will be kicked-off at 3:15 PM.

The Black Panthers had a superb start beating Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC in their first two fixtures, but have moved to third position on the log after the defeat in Imphal.

While the Black Panthers looking to redeem themselves after suffering their worst defeat of the season, Head Coach Biswajit Bhattacharya remains confident that the team will bounce back from their poor performance.

“The loss was a set back but still there is a long way to go. The players have put the disappointment behind and fully focused on the upcoming home game against Langsning.” Coach Bhattacharya said.

“Langsning are a young team with full of energy. We will treat them with respect. We have to put up some good work and make sure that we take care of their strengths.” Coach Bhattacharya commented about their opponents.

Despite losing to TRAU, the Black Panthers played a good brand of football and were let down by their finishing in the last third, with one such noticeable player being Fikru Teferra Lemessa, who time and again found himself in good space but failed to convert. The former Ethiopia skipper will however aim to rectify his mistakes against the Shillong-based side who beat Jamshedpur FC 3-1 midweek.

“It happens in football. Sometime you don’t get the desired outcome despite doing all the hardwork. We must not panic. If we keep worrying about what has happened in the past we will struggle in future. It will be different game tomorrow and we are looking forward to it.” Fikru said.

Though Coach Bhattacharya has ruled out making drastic changes to his side for Langsning game, but he could be forced to ring changes in the goalkeeping department after Suvam Sen conceded four goals against TRAU rather cheaply.

Meanwhile, Langsning Head Coach Herring Shangpliang explained that Mohammedan SC will be eager to bounce back from their loss to TRAU and this will make things more difficult for his team.

“We need to respect that the match Mohammedan SC lost against TRAU aren’t a reflection of the quality they possess as a team,” Shangpliang said. “In football, some days are yours and others aren’t. It wasn’t their day.”

“I believe we will give a good account of ourselves even though we know that Mohammedan SC will be eager to bounce back. It is an opportunity for us to rise to the occasion,” he added.

Mohammedan SC have 6 points from 3 games and they are on thrid position in Group C just behind Langsning who are on 7 points from 4 outings.

TRAU HAND MOHAMMEDAN SC FIRST DEFEAT

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club were extremely poor in front of goal as they suffered a 4-1 loss to Tiddim Road Athletic Union FC in an Preliminary Round Group C game of ongoing 2nd Division League at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal on Thursday.

The Black Panther offered very little in attack as they suffered their very first defeat of the campaign, which saw TRAU dispossed them from top of the Group C standings with 7 points from 3 games.

Malemnganba Meitei (25th & 45+1st minute) and Princewill Emeka (74th & 90+3rd) struck a brace each for TRAU, meanwhile substitute Dipendu Dowary (53rd) pulled a goal back for Mohammedan SC.

Heading into the game, Mohammedan SC Head Coach Biswajit Bhattacharya made three changes to the side by handing club debuts to striker Fikru Lemessa, midfielder Sukhwinder Singh and defender Dalraj Singh at the expenses of Cho Lepcha, Rahul Jaiswal and Manotosh Chakladar.

The home team controlled the flow of play early on and were the first to threaten in the 10th minute when Mohammedan SC kepeer Suvam Sen had to be at his best to turn a 25-yard free-kick from Reisangmi Vashum around the post.

In the 25th minute there was nothing Suvam could do when Malemnganba met a cross from Nelson Kom and powerfully headed home from 12-yards out.

Mohammedan SC saw more of the ball after that, but they were poor in the final third and could not create any significant openings in front of goal.

Some poor defending in additional time allowed TRAU to score their second goal when Dalraj failed to clear a goalmouth scramble which allowed Malemnganba to fire home from close range to give his side a two goal cushion going into the breather.

Mohammedan SC began the second half positively and kept the early pressure on their opponents with Fikru and Dipendu combining well upfront.

Fikru, who worked his way on the left, sent a goal mouth cross where TRAU defenders failed to clear, and Dipendu tapped the ball home to make it 2-1 in the 53rd minute. Thereby igniting hopes of a comeback.

However, in the 74th minute some more sloppy defending by Mohammedan SC, and Echezona Anichiye in particular, saw Princewill through on goal from Deepak Singh’s pass, who slotted past Suvam to make it 3-1.

Mohammedan SC though created some chances but failed to scored, as they failed to stick to their passing game policy. The players seemed to be more keen on playing direct football sending long balls from the centre-line.

TRAU put the final nail in the coffin through Princewill in additional time when the Nigerian found the back of the net from Vashum’s pass.

Mohammedan SC, who have six points from three games, will host Shillong-based Langsning FC next on April 9, 2018 at Barasat Stadium.

BLACK PANTHERS READY FOR TRAU TEST

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club will look to continue their momentum in the ongoing 2017/18 2nd Division League when they travel to Khuman Lampak Main Stadium to face Tiddim Road Athletic Union FC in their first away game of the campaign on Thursday. The match kick-off at 2:30 PM.

Two games, six points, six goals scored, and one conceded; 2018 has started with aplomb for the Black Panthers, who are looking ahead to the TRAU fixture.

Biswajit Bhattacharya’s charges will look to maintain the winning momentum, but will also take heed from their mentor’s words that the past result will mean nothing in this fixture. “We are ofcourse pleased with the results against Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC, but we are not getting ahead of ourselves. I am taking each game as it comes. We still have work to do to get to our point of achievement” said the tactician.

“We need to keep concentrated and focused on the task at hand, and make sure that we play the next game in the best way possible,” he added further.

Coach Bhattacharya appeared to be worried that important players such as Jiten Murmu, Tirthankar Sarkar, Ankit Mukherjee and Manotosh Chakladar were all part of the West Bengal squad for the 2018 Hero Santosh Trophy and may not be in the best shape for the game after playing 6 games in just 13 days including a gruelling final against Kerala this past Sunday.

Speaking about the opponents TRAU, who have four points from 2 games, Coach Bhattacharya said: “It is going to be a tough game for us because TRAU are difficult to beat at home. However, players are full of confidence and believe that they can take on anybody in the league which is a good feeling to have at the club, so we looking forward to our next game.”

The knowledgeable and vastly-experienced coach has an injury-free squad to select from.

BLACK PANTHERS REGISTER FIKRU LEMESSA AT IFA OFFICE

KOLKATA, MARCH 19: Mohammedan Sporting Club, on Monday, have registered Ethiopian international Fikru Teferra Lemessa at the Indian Football Association (IFA) Office for the ongoing 2017/18 2nd Division League.

The Explosive striker was accompanied by the Hony. General Secretary Mr. Ghazal Uz Zafar to IFA Office.

“It won’t take long for me to settle in. I felt comfortable from the very first day here. I am here to win.” Fikru said.

Fikru, who will wear the number 10 on the back at Mohammedan Sporting Club, will hit the ground running on Tuesday at the Club ground from 8 AM.

2ND DIVISION LEAGUE: MOHAMMEAN PUT FOUR PAST CHENNAYIN

KOLKATA, MARCH 17: Mohammedan Sporting Club registered a dominant 4-0 win over Chennaiyin FC reserves in an 2nd Division League Preliminary Round Group C encounter played at the Barasat Stadium on Saturday.

A brace from winger Prohlad Roy (26th & 61st minute) along with goals from midfielder Tirthankar Sarkar (34th) and defender Ankit Mukherjee (74th) handed Mohammedan SC their second win of the campaign.

Going into the game, Mohammedan SC Coach Biswajit Bhattacharya made the only change by handing start to defender Echezona Anichie over Arijit Singh.

The first half saw Mohammedan SC completely dominate proceedings with a number of attacks in the opening quarter but the visitors managed to hold on.

Having missed a host of chances till the 25th minute mark, Mohammedan SC finally broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Prohlad nodded from skipper Jiten Murmu’s left sided cross.

Having scored, Mohammedan SC increased their pressure and attacked the rival goal ferociously going close on a few occasions.

Eight minutes later, Mohammedan SC’s pressure yielded another goal when Tirthankar got on the scoresheet with a brilliant free-kick to give Mohammedan SC a two goal cushion going into the breather.

The second half began with Mohammedan SC pushing further up as they came out with the intent to score. The constant pressure paid off as the Black Panthers got their third in the 61st minute.

Rahul Jaiswal dispossessed an opponent before sending Prohlad through, then Prohlad outsmarted the rival keeper and slotted into the empty net to complete his brace.

Mohammedan SC continued to dominate the proceedings but had to wait till the 74th minute to get their fourth. Ankit with a brilliant run on the right got past his marker and slotted from a tight angle.

The hosts Mohammedan SC created a few more chances towards the end but Chennayin FC managed to hold on as the game ended 4-0.

Mohammedan Sporting Club will face TRAU  FC next on April 5 at imphal.

2ND DIVISION LEAGUE: MOHAMMEDAN SC SEEK IMPROVEMENT AGAINST CHENNAIYIN

KOLKATA, MARCH 17: Despite scoring a comfortable victory in their opening game, Mohammedan Sporting Club seeking improvement as they host Chennaiyin FC Reserves in the second round of 2017/18 2nd Division League Preliminary Round at the Barasat Stadium on Saturday (17 March 2018).

Mohammedan SC defeated Jamshedpur FC Reserves 2-1 midweek. The three points won, however, were not good enough for Head Coach Biswajit Bhattacharya as the man in charge sought to finetune his game-plan.

“Winning at home is always great and it is understandable that it gives the players a different confidence. But it’s not just a question of winning but how. We have to try and correct our performance.” said coach Bhattacharya.

Coach Bhattacharya has been a master at organising his team in a tight formation but admitted that he is trying to find “the right mix” in his team going forward into the season.

The gaffer said his team still has “plenty of scope for improvement” before they embark on a tough phase, and reiterated that they will first aim to qualify for the final round from where they can launch a hunt for the I-League berth.

The Black Panthers scored two goals in the opening half against Jamshedpur and conceded one in the second session, something that was not to coach Bhattachary’s liking.

“We need improvements in defense. We are still in the process of developing as a side. I am happy with the players in attack but in defense we must improve,” said the coach.

Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC coach Vannivedu Harish said he was disappointed that his team couldn’t win their first game against Langsning FC but at the same time, he was incredibly pleased with their showing.

“It’s an important match for us especially after that loss but you brush yourselves off and prepare for the next game and that’s what we have done,” he added.

Coach Harish is aware of the attacking threat that his opponents possess. “Mohammedan are a top side. It is fair to say that. We have gathered information about them and we will try to minimize their attacking threat.”

The match at Barasat Stadium kicksoff at 3:15 pm on Saturday.

2ND DIVISION LEAGUE: MOHAMMEDAN BEAT JAMSHEDPUR TO MAKE WINNING START

KOLKATA 14 March: Mohammedan Sporting Club opened their campaign in the 2017/18 2nd Division League Preliminary Round Group C with a 2-1 win over Jamshedpur FC Reserves at the Barasat Stadium on Wednesday (14 March 2018).

Mohammedan SC, who opted to go with no foreigners in the starting lineup, played some attacking football right from the word go. However, it took 36 minutes for the Black Panthers to break the deadlock as winger Debasish Pradhan scored a brilliant long ranger from outside the box to put the Black Panthers ahead.

Having scored Mohammedan SC increased their pressure upfront and doubled the lead in 43rd minute when skipper Jiten Murmu headed home from his deputy Tirthankar Sarkar’s corner to give Mohammedan SC a two goal lead before halftime.

Changing over, Mohammedan SC continued to create chances but it was Jamshedpur FC who pulled a goal back against the run of play in the 85th minute though Vijay Kumar.

Mohammedan SC will host Chennaiyin FC Reserves next on Saturday (17 March 2018) at Barasat Stadium.

2ND DIVISION LEAGUE: BLACK PANTHERS REDAY TO HOST JAMSHEDPUR IN OPENER

KOLKATA, 13 March: Mohammedan Sporting Club aim to kick off their 2017/18 2nd Division League Preliminary Round Group C campaign on all the right notes when they host the reserve side of Indian Super League franchise Jamshedpur FC at the Barasat Stadium on Wednesday (14 March 2018).

The Black Panthers, who will look to forget last season’s horrors as they missed out on a final round berth, are in upbeat mood after winning the 2018 All India Steel Express Cup in Chakradharpur, Jharkhand recently.

Nonetheless, the game against a relatively unknown Jamshedpur FC side won’t be an easy one and the gaffer Biswajit Bhattacharya wants his side to be cautious.

The Black Panthers did well in pre-season, although the coach appeared worried about the absence of international players. Nigerian defender Echezona Anyichie is the only foreigner available for the opener.

“The first match is always difficult, and it is always very important to start with a victory, as it will set the tone for the entire campaign. We will be looking for a win tomorrow to get the early momentum going,” Coach Bhattacharya said on the eve of the clash.

Even though Mohammedan SC has lost some of their mercurial players from 2017/18 Calcutta Football League squad, the Black Panthers have brought in suitable replacements in the January transfer window.

However, Mohammedan SC may miss Aser Pierrick Dipanda Dicka, who finished as top scorer in the Calcutta Football League. They will also miss charismatic striker Manvir Singh.

“We tried to solve all these changes, it was not just about them (Dipanda and Manvir). It is about a lot of other players as well. But I am happy with how we have solved these absentees,” added Coach Bhattacharya, who is trying to rebuild the squad following the departure of several big names.

Responding to a question on the advantage of playing their first match at home, Coach Bhattacharya said, “I don’t think it is an advantage. If you want to go the distance, you have to play well both home and away. Yes, at home we will have more support to win all three points. But that doesn’t change our approach to the game.”

Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC coach Hilal Rasool Parry said his side would play positive football.

The match at Barasat Stadium kicks off at 3:15 PM on Wednesday.

Sultan Ahmed Memorial U-14 Youth Football Championship To Begin On Saturday

KOLKATA: We at Mohammedan Sporting Club are delighted to announce that the inaugural Sultan Ahmed Memorial U-14 Youth Football Championship will commence from Saturday (24th February 2018) at Mohammedan Sporting Ground. Final will be played on Sunday (25th February 2018) in presence of Guest In Chief Former India Captain Mr. Prasun Banerjee and Guest of Honour Mrs. Sajda Ahmed, M.P.

8 teams will be participating in the knockout competition that will be played at Mohammedan Sporting Ground. Winner of the competition will get Sultan Ahmed Memorial U-14 Youth Football Championship and cash award of Rs. 50000 while runners-up will receive Rs. 35000.

Participating teams are Mohammedan Sporting Club, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, United Bengal Football Academy, HDSA, Gangadhar Football Academy, Bhawanipore Club, Mohammedan Sporting YDP.

2017/18 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE TO BE DIVIDED INTO TWO PHASES

KOLKATA 19 February 2018: The 2017/18 2nd Division League will be divided into two phases – the preliminary and the final. In the preliminary stage, 18 teams will be divided into three groups where all matches would be played on a home and away basis.

The winners of each group plus the best second-placed team would qualify for the final round. However, if reserve teams of ISL clubs finish as winners or runners-up in any group, the position will be passed on onto the next non-ISL team.

The final round will be played at a central venue, the winners of which would be promoted to the next tier of Indian Football.

Each club can register maximum 3 foreign players for the 2nd division league out of which one player has to be a national of an AFC Member Association.