I-League 2017: Striker Dipanda Dicka's ankle injury worries Mohun Bagan camp

Dipanda Dicka was the highest goal scorer in last season's I-League

What's the story?

Mohun Bagan held on to a 1-goal lead to win their second I-League encounter against arch-rivals East Bengal at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday afternoon. But Bagan have a new worry in their camp. Dipanda Dicka is likely to miss some of the upcoming games after he was injured during the Kolkata derby.

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Mohun Bagan played better football and sailed past East Bengal by virtue of a 39th-minute header from defender Kingsley, to clinch their first win of the season. The Green-and-Maroons could have won by a bigger margin had they converted their chances into goals. East Bengal, on the other hand, played very ordinary football and is on the hunt them in their first I-League win.

The heart of the matter

Dipanda Dicka injured his ankle around the 54th minute after he collided with Brazilian defender Eduardo Ferriera in the box. He was immediately laid down on a stretcher and was taken to the Hospital a few minutes later. In the post-match conference, coach Sanjoy Sen said that he unaware of the extent of the injury, which would only come to light after the MRI report is out.

“He’s injured his ankle and is being treated at the hospital. We are waiting for the reports,” said Sanjoy Sen.

Mohun Bagan played without one of their main players for the lion’s share of the second half, but somehow they kept the scoreline intact. Dipanda Dicka missed a sitter just before the end of the first half. His wait for an I-League goal in ‘Green and Maroon’ jersey in the I-League gets longer.

What's next?

Mohun Bagan have three home matches on the trot in the next 16 days, and missing the likes of a striker like Dipanda Dicka will definitely affect the team’s performance. He was in a lot of pain when he was laid on the stretcher. Hopefully, for the Bagan fans, he will be back in action soon.

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