Mohun Bagan AC will play their first official home match of the I-League versus Chirag United Kerala on Friday.

Both Mohun Bagan and Chirag United Kerela come into this match on the back of “away wins” in the 1st round of matches. While Mohun Bagan won 3-1 in a come from behind win against Pailan Arrows in Kolkata, Chirag United Kerela won 1-0 to HAL in Bangalore.

With not that many big names in their squad Chirag United Kerela will be looking to former Indian international Krishnan Nair Ajayan and their three foreigners to make an impact in the match. Mohun Bagan on the other hand may start with their tried and tested warhorse Barreto.

Coach Prasanta Banerjee said: “Barreto is one of our main weapons so we have to use with caution as required. After the first win the team spirit in high and a second win will bring about greater confidence in the side.”

Chirag Kerala United’s Sri Lankan coach M.N. Packeer Ali added that “Mohun Bagan is a strong team but we are here to try and get points”.

Mohun Bagan centre forward and hat-trick scorer from the previous match Odafe Onyeka Okolie speaking to the press added that he didn’t know much about the opponent but they would go all out to try and get three points from their first home match.

Coach Prasanta Banerjee also claimed that “though we have watched them play in the Federation Cup many changes have taken place to the squad since then so we cannot say what their formations, strategy or gameplan will be.”

The kick-off is slated for 15.30 IST.

(AIFF Press Release / Edited)