Just like that, the Semi-Finals are concluding! Yes, I know that shouldn’t come as a shock, that the Semi-Finals are over after two games but they go by so quickly. Unfortunately, my dream of having an all ISL final was dashed when Goa decided to lose their Semi-Final game against East Bengal. However, Bengaluru can at least represent the ISL in the final, if they beat their Semi-Final opponents, I League’s Mohun Bagan. Let’s dive head first into the action, shall we?
Road To The Semis…
Yes, everyone’s favourite segment lives on for another an article. I thought I would start with the home team and I-League side Mohun Bagan. Mohun Bagan started their Super Cup journey against familiar foes in Churchill Brothers. The game was a great encounter between the two I-League sides and was a very end-to-end game. Churchill Brothers took the lead on thirty minutes through Willis Plaza, however, they gifted Mohun a way back into the game. Mohun failed to take this opportunity though as they missed the penalty just before half-time. However, four minutes after the penalty miss, Dipanda scored the equaliser. It was the same player who won the game for Mohun on seventy minutes and send them through to the Quarter-Finals.
Mohun Bagan would, once again, come up against an I-League opponent, this time it was Shillong Lajong who they had to get through. This game was even better than the Churchill game, which came as a surprise to me. Faiaz gave Mohun the lead on twelve minutes, with Nikhil adding a second goal thirteen minutes later. Shillong missed a penalty on twenty-six minutes, however, they did get one back two minutes after the miss, as Koffi struck home. An own goal by Doe confirmed the win for Mohun and set them up against Bengaluru.
Bengaluru started their Super Cup journey against I-League opponents Gokulam. The game itself was fairly entertaining, however, Bengaluru controlled the game. Kisekka scored for Gokulam on thirty-three minutes to really shock fans. However, Bengaluru took control with goals from Miku and Udanta in the second half, securing the win for the ISL side.
Bengaluru’s Quarter-Final game was also against I-League opposition, this time it was Neroca they had to get through. Chhetri took charge of this game, getting his first on thirteen minutes. Pritam equalised just before half-time for Neroca, however, Bengaluru weren’t finished there. Chhetri added his second of the match on fifty-five minutes and then completed his hattrick, and the 3-1 win for Bengaluru, on ninety-five minutes, sending his team to the Semi-Finals.
The Game Itself…
Mohun Bagan like to play attacking football and it’s clear to see they carry a threat when going forward, however, Bengaluru are a different side. Bengaluru love playing fluid attacking football, however, they are quite patient with their play and won’t rush into an attack.
This game will be really interesting as both teams carry big threats and it will be very interesting to see how both teams try and diffuse each other’s attacking threat. In my opinion, I think Bengaluru will be much more difficult to contain.
Key Player…
Mohun Bagan have some decent players, however, they have one main man who really impressed in the first round of this competition against Churchill Brothers. This player is obviously Dipanda. He has great attacking threat and can find the net quite easily. He will be the main threat to Bengaluru’s chances of getting through.
Bengaluru are full of star players and it’s scary to think that they have them all over the pitch. However, their attacking options are the scariest as they have Udanta, Miku, and Chhetri all to choose from. However, I have chosen Chhetri as my Key Player as he is coming off a hat trick in the previous round and I feel he holds himself accountable for their failure in the ISL Playoff Final game.
Finally…
With all this being said, I will simply leave you with this. I honestly can’t see the final being an all I-League affair. I think Bengaluru will have too much for Mohun and they will come out 2-0 winners. I honestly believe Bengaluru will win this competition as they want to make up for their ISL failure.
