Match Preview: Mohammedan SC vs Mumbai City
The Islanders will play the Kolkata-based side in the semis for a place in the 2022 Durand Cup Final.
After defeating Chennaiyin FC in the quarter-finals, Mumbai City FC will face Mohammedan SC in the semi-finals of the Durand Cup 2022. Mumbai City FC advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Chennaiyin FC 5-3 after extra time, thanks to outstanding performances by Greg Stewart and Lallianzuala Chhangte.
The semi-final match against the Black Panthers will be played on September 14th, 2022, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, also known as the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, and will begin at 6pm IST.
1️⃣ day until we face Mohammedan SC 💥 pic.twitter.com/OAqOoeuCIk
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) September 13, 2022
In the group stages, the Islanders were nearly flawless, winning 5-1 and 4-1 against Rajasthan United FC and the Indian Navy, respectively. Des Buckingham’s side drew 1-1 with ATK Mohun Bagan in the group stages, and their only defeat came against East Bengal in the 2022 Durand Cup’s final group stage game, which ended 4-3 in favour of the Red and Gold Brigade. The quarter-final match against Chennaiyin FC went into extra time, with Mumbai City FC emerging victorious in a goal-filled game that ended 5-3 in favour of the Islanders.
Mohammedan SC, on the other hand, has been in excellent form. They won their first three group stage games at the 2022 Durand Cup, 3-1, 3-0, and 2-0, against FC Goa, Jamshedpur FC, and the Indian Air Force team. They drew 1-1 with Bengaluru FC in their final group game before easily defeating Kerala Blasters in the quarter-finals, 3-0. At the 131st Durand Cup, the Black Panthers have already put in some outstanding performances against Indian Super League teams, which the Islanders will be wary of ahead of their semi-final clash.
Head Coach Des Buckingham spoke to the media via virtual press conference ahead of the semi-final match against Mohammedan SC about the team’s approach and expectations.
“Regardless of the team we play, our approach remains the same. Our goal is to get better with each game and to keep improving what we do with and without the ball. I said before the last game that we had done everything we could to put ourselves in a strong position to approach the Durand Cup and then the ISL season,” the Englishman said.
He also stated that he anticipates a ‘exciting’ game. “From the looks of Mohammedan’s play, they are a joy to watch. They have distinct football strategies. They have some very exciting players, and we have some as well. We’ve already demonstrated how we want to play football in the (AFC) Champions League and in this tournament. I believe the stadium will be packed. It will be a thrilling game because I am confident Mohammedan, like us, will go all out to win. It’s a cup game, so anything can happen; we’re aware of that, but that’s what I’m expecting, and hopefully, we can do what we want and get the result. It won’t be easy; it’ll be a tough game, but we’re looking forward to it,” he added.
Together to take on the next challenge 💪#MDSMCFC #DurandCup2022 #MumbaiCity #AamchiCity 🔵 pic.twitter.com/7Lfb0hGa69
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) September 13, 2022
Meanwhile, Greg Stewart, who scored a remarkable hat-trick in the quarter-final game, stated, “The last match was a tough one. We know Chennaiyin from last season, but they are the same as us – they’ve had some changes in the playing group. We made some mistakes along the way, but that is a part and parcel of the game. We are in a cup competition, so we just have to get through the tie.
Team Updates
Des Buckingham has confirmed that there are no injuries or suspensions to report for the Islanders, and that the entire squad, with the exception of Apuia, will be available for selection.
