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Bordoloi Trophy: No room for complacency, says Mohammedan Sporting’s Raghu Nandi

Head coach Raghu Nandi with the Mohammedan Sporting Club squad during a training session. (Photo courtesy: Mohammedan Sporting Club)
Head coach Raghu Nandi with the Mohammedan Sporting Club squad during a training session. Photo courtesy: Mohammedan Sporting Club

Mohammedan Sporting Club will look to continue their path towards the semi-finals when they take on Baarhoongkha FC in their second Group B fixture of 2018 Bordoloi Trophy on Wednesday at Mukalmua Stadium in Nalbari, kick-off at 3 pm.

The reputation between these two sides indicates that the match will be a real David vs Goliath battle but Black Panthers may find the going tougher than many are predicting.

Baarhoongkha FC will certainly be in no mood to gift three points to Mohammedan SC as they are in dire need of those points themselves, having lost 1-0 to TRAU FC on the opening day to leave their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread. And if any of Mohammedan SC players had any doubts about how difficult this tournament could prove, those were quickly dispelled in Sunday’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Assam Police Blues.

A win for Mohammedan SC would virtually secure them a spot in the semi-finals but there is no complacency from coach Raghunath Nandi when it comes to taking on a Assamese side on their own turf.

Black Panthers produced an impressive attacking display their opening match against Assam Police Blues, however they were wasteful in front of goal.

Nandi has admitted that his side were not at their best against Assam Police but he was still happy with his players’ determination to get a result. Nonetheless, they will need to improve if they are to topple Baarhoongkha FC.

”It would be a mistake to underestimate Baarhoongkha. It’s a very important game and we can’t be complacent. We know that all the teams will be tough out here.” Nandi said.

“I don’t know much about Baarhoongkha FC but I heard they played well in their opening game with TRAU even though they lost and we respect them by all means.”

Nandi also adds that Baarhoongkha FC having tasted defeat at the hands of TRAU will be out to prove a point.

“We approach every game as a hard game, no matter who we play. Of course we will be out to win that match as well but again we will not take them lightly and look to put a good show, ” he concluded.

Mohammedan Sporting are an attacking side and have every reason to unleash their full arsenal on Baarhoonkha FC as goal difference could prove crucial at the end of the group phase.

The Black Panthers had a training session earlier today at Guwahati’s Nehru Stadium as they prepare for the game with no injury concerns. However, Adjah, Kamran Farooque, Laltu Hembram and Laltu Mondal are walking a suspension tightrope.

(Mohammedan Sporting Club)