BAGAN SEEK REVIVAL ON ‘ HOME’ DEBUT

Kolkata, Dec. 28: Mohun Bagan are set for an ILeague debut at their home ground, when they take on Indian Arrows here on Friday, marking a return of toptier football to the Maidan after a long time.

It will be the first time an I- League match will be held at the Maidan. The Mohun Bagan ground has attracted average attendance of 20,000 in their Calcutta Football League matches this year.

The ground has also witnessed unruly crowd behaviour in local league matches over the years and the onus will be on the Bagan officials to ensure safety of everyone involved.

“It will be a proud occasion when we host the first- ever I- League game at our ground. We believe there won’t be any glitches and we can stage the game successfully,” club’s finance secretary Debashish Dutta said.

After his wonderful solo goal against Shillong Lajong in Arrows’ 3- 0 win in their last match, the spotlight is sharply on Nongdamba Naorem.

The 17- year- old midfielder announced his arrival on the big stage with a ‘ Messi- like’ strike dodging past five defenders to score.

“Of course, you feel proud if you hear your name alongside Messi. It’s such an honour for me that this goal is compared with the kind that Messi scores,” Naorem, who played for India in the Fifa Under- 17 World Cup, said on Thursday.

“I never really thought I could score such a goal. It has really boosted my self- belief and confidence and our team is also far more confident now,” he added.

Mohun Bagan will be bolstered by a strong home support and they will hope to return to winning ways after dropping points in their last two home outings.

— PTI