Abahani, Mohun Bagan playing for pride

Having already been eliminated from the qualifying race for the final stages of the AFC Cup, Abahani and Mohun Bagan will look forward to restoring some pride when the cross-border rivals face off in the sixth and final match of Group E at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today.

The match will get underway at 7:45pm.

Maziya S&RC of Maldives, with 12 points, and JSW Bengalure FC of India, with nine points, are fighting to grab the lone spot from the group turning the match in Dhaka into a dead rubber.

Mohun Bagan, who last came to Bangladesh in 2005 to play against Muktijoddha Sangsad in the now-defunct Asian Club Cup championship, are apparently seeking some solace by winning their last match of the season after going trophyless, having finished second in both the I-League and the Federation Cup.  

Likewise Abahani, are giving as much importance to this match as their opponents even though they are scheduled to play the semifinals of the Federation Cup two days later.

“From the perspective of the competition, neither side have anything to win from this game as neither team can qualify for the next round,” said Mohun Bagan coach Sanjay Sen at a pre-match conference yesterday.

“However, both clubs have a rich heritage in their respective countries and when there is nothing to get [from the tournament], the motivation comes from the desire to uphold the club and country's image. We must respect Abahani. We will try to play our own style and try to win the match,” concluded Sen before ensuring that spectators would enjoy the fixture as he feels it is their duty to entertain them.

Like Mohun Bagan, Abahani, who suffered a 3-1 defeat to the same opposition in their away match, want to end their AFC Cup campaign on a high.

“We have come to the end of the competition and tomorrow's game is a big one against Indian giants Mohun Bagan, but we are conscious that we are representing Bangladesh football and we will try to win the last game,” said Abahani coach Drago Mamic.

The charges of Mamic are in good shape having played three matches in the Federation Cup even though they suffered a 0-2 loss to Maziya S&RC in their last AFC Cup fixture. 

“We want to give a special gift to our friends and not finish the campaign with a loss. I think the boys are also thinking the same way and we have a chance to win it,” said Mamic.

However, the Croatian may rest his best player – winger Rubel Mia – in a bid to not risk an injury for the rest of the season. However, he will be able to apply the services of three foreign players – Emeka Darlington, Jonathan David and Samad Yussif against Mohun Bagan's two foreign recruits – Katsumi Yusa and Darryl Alexander Duffy.