Task cut out for East Bengal as they face Shillong Lajong tomorrow. Shillong have always been a thorn in the flesh for EB, more so on their home ground. However, this time they would be without their talismanic striker, Cornell Glen. They have made a strong start this season, beating Salgaocar and Sporting by a solitary goal, drawing against Mumbai FC and only losing to Bengaluru FC in an away game. Like all teams from the north-east, they will trouble their opponents with speed and stamina. The East Bengal midfield needs to be at its best to thwart their opponents. It would be good if Shehnaj Singh was fit and available for selection; Mehtab is no good. Cavin Lobo should start the match, he cannot be effective if he comes in as as a substitute late in the second half. Rafique should partner Ranti upfront. Missing sitters, like those in the last match, could prove to be very costly. Anything less than three points could well spell the doom for this year's I-League aspirations.
I thought somebody said infiltration was peculiar to Bangals. Hero of this match is those experts/commentators who today chose Jairu as the hero (not taking away anything from Jairu's commitments). They are becoming a major embarrassment, Arnab the other day and Jairu in this game!!
While the whole world celebrated Valentine's Day on February 14, the birthday of one of the legends of Kolkata, nay Indian football, Krishanu Dey, passed by almost unnoticed. To us, who grew up watching football in the late 80s and 90s, Krishanu, arguably one of the best ball players of his time, mesmerized us with his dribbling skills and his incisive through passes. After playing for two seasons for Mohun Bagan for 2 seasons, he shifted allegiance to East Bengal in 1985 and along with Bikas Panji, formed a deadly combination in the next six years that he played for the club. Rightly was he hailed as the "Indian Maradona" of his times. His tragic death on 20th March 2003 at the at of 41 left the football fraternity shocked. RIP Krishanu-da, we will never forget you.
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Self proclaimed maaira phelum, kaaitta phelum!
Hero of this match is those experts/commentators who today chose Jairu as the hero (not taking away anything from Jairu's commitments). They are becoming a major embarrassment, Arnab the other day and Jairu in this game!!