In the upcoming Kalinga Super Cup Derby on Friday in Bhubaneswar, East Bengal is set to face Mohun Bagan in a crucial showdown. This match effectively serves as a knockout, where the victorious side advances to the semifinals, while the defeated team bids farewell to the tournament.
East Bengal Team News ahead of Kolkalata Derby:
East Bengal enters the clash with momentum, securing two victories in their earlier matches – a 3-2 win over Hyderabad FC and a 2-1 triumph against Sreenidi Deccan. Currently, they hold a goal-difference advantage over Mohun Bagan at the Kalinga Super Cup. Coach Carles Cuadrat commends his team’s performances but expresses concern about their defence, which has yet to secure a clean sheet in the tournament.
In contrast to Mohun Bagan, who is grappling with the absence of nine players on national duty, East Bengal boasts a relatively fuller roster. Despite this advantage, the team will miss the contributions of defender Lalchununga and forward Mahesh Singh Naorem in the Kalinga Super Cup as they strive for a coveted spot in the semifinals.
Notwithstanding these absentees, pivotal players such as Cleiton Silva, Javier Siverio, and Souvik Chakraborty remain available for selection, providing East Bengal with a formidable lineup for the crucial encounter.
