Match Preview: Mumbai City FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan
After a thrilling start to their inaugural campaign at the Durand Cup, Mumbai City FC will face hosts and local favourites ATK Mohun Bagan in their second Group B encounter on Wednesday, August 24 at 6 p.m. IST at the VYBK in Kolkata.
After suffering a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat at the hands of rivals Rajasthan United FC in their opening game, ATK Mohun Bagan is in desperate need of a victory in this contest. Gyamar Nikum capped off a fantastic team play in the 95th minute to give Rajasthan United all three points. Coach Juan Ferrando was unhappy with ATK Mohun Bagan’s poor finishing.
Going through the paces ahead of our clash against ATK Mohun Bagan 💪#ATKMBMCFC #DurandCup2022 #MumbaiCity #AamchiCity 🔵 pic.twitter.com/swbnIMtI5n
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) August 23, 2022
Lalinzuala Chhangte (89′, 90′) scored twice, while Vikram Partap Singh (45+3′) and Greg Stewart (65′ P) also scored in the Islanders’ opening encounter of the league, a 4-1 triumph against Indian Navy FT.
Des Buckingham’s team, who now lead Group B, will try to cement their lead when they face ATK Mohun Bagan in a game that has produced some memorable moments in recent years.
Des Buckingham: “I am very happy with the start we have got. We conceded first against Indian Navy, but we settled in quickly and played good football overall. But, it’s just the beginning, and we want to carry forward the momentum.”
ATK Mohun Bagan, on the other side, lost their first encounter 2-3 to a spirited Rajasthan United FC and are presently fourth in the points chart. Everyone is surprised that ATK Mohun Bagan is at the bottom of Group B. Given their squad and the tactical brilliance of Juan Ferrando, this is something that would undoubtedly concern the club.
Focussed on our next challenge!#ATKMohunBagan #JoyMohunBagan #AmraSobujMaroon pic.twitter.com/T4hRQ14al0
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) August 22, 2022
In the Durand Cup, ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City will clash for the first time. However, the Mariners have yet to overcome Mumbai City in the Indian Super League. The teams have played five games, with the Islanders winning four of them. The other game ended in a tie.
There’s little question that giants ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC will put on a mesmerizing show on Wednesday evening.
“The first game against the Navy was very tough & a challenging one, but I’m very happy with how the players came through with that..”
Coach @DesBuckingham reflects on pre-season in 🇦🇪 & the upcoming game against ATKMB.#ATKMBMCFC #DurandCup2022 #MumbaiCity #AamchiCity 🔵 pic.twitter.com/lD0HbUQGJQ
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) August 23, 2022
Mumbai City XI: Phurba Lachenpa, Rahul Bheke, Amey Ranawade, Rostyn Griffiths, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Vikram Partap Singh, Ahmed Jahouh, Greg Stewart, Bipin Singh, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Apuia Ralte
ATK Mohun Bagan XI: Vishal Kaith, Sumit Rathi, Pritam Kotal, Florentin Pogba, Kiyan Nassiri, Carl McHugh, Joni Kauko, Deepak Tangri, Hugo Boumous,Ashique Kuruniyan, Liston Colaco