Must-win I-League game for Mumbai FC against East Bengal

Khalid Jamil

Mumbai, May 19 (IANS)

Mumbai FC are confident of dealing with the pressure of going all out for a win when they take on East Bengal in a 22nd round I-League match to be played at the Cooperage ground here on Wednesday.

Mumbai are in a must-win situation as they are still fighting to stay away from the relegation zone. With the league reaching the business end, Mumbai have 18 points from the same number of games and occupy the seventh position.

In contrast East Bengal are placed fourth with 26 points from 17 games. A win against the famed East Bengal club would ensure that Mumbai move higher in the league standing and survive the drop.

We have to score two goals: Jamil

Mumbai coach Khalid Jamil quite plainly admitted that there is only one solution for them, which is to win.

"There is just one solution for us, we have to win and for that we have to score goals. Not one, but two goals," he said in a release on Tuesday.

Jamil also pointed out that the opposition has a very potent attack and that his defenders will have to come good and stop them.

"They have very good attacking players, Ranti Martins and Dudu Omagbemi, and we cannot afford to give them any chance. We have to block them," he said.

Mumbai would also like to reproduce the same form which they displayed in the last game against Dempo SC in Goa last week, but had to settle for a goalless draw.

The home side will start without midfielder Vashum Reisangmi and defender Collin Abranches, both sustaining injuries in the last game.

Goalkeeper Kunal Sawant will retain his position under the bar as Nidhinlal A.C. is still nursing an injury.