Confident Mohun Bagan eye semis spot in Federation Cup (Preview)

After a 3-2 win in the first leg, Mohun Bagan will look to ensure a safe passage to semi-finals when they host Salgaocar in the Federation Cup second leg quarter-final football fixture here on Thursday.

Mohun Bagan would be aware that a draw would send them to the last four and therefore would want to put in a tough defensive performance against the visitors, having won the first leg match away 3-2.

On Monday, at Tilak Maidan in Goa, Mohun Bagan surged to an early lead through Jeje Lapekhlua but then conceded twice in the first half to trail 1-2 at half-time.

In the second half, however, the team showed character and came back strongly, netting two late goals through Abhishek Das and Jeje to win with three away goals that gives them an overwhelming advantage going into the return leg.

Coach Sanjoy Sen though have to ensure Mohun Bagan gel as a defensive unit. And it will be interesting to see as to which are the players the coach drafts in the starting team.

Sen would once again rely on the in-form Jeje for goals. The midfield has been well knit and they have been able to put together quality attacks.

Salgaocar need to score in the game, which means they have to push more men forward leaving them exposed at the back. Mohun Bagan might just take this opportunity and hit them on counter attacks.

The visitors have their own firepower to match Mohun Bagan's artillery, and they would want the likes of Darryl Duffy, Martin Scott and Calvin Mbarga to fire if they harbour any hopes of advancing in the knock-out tournament.

But a comeback of this magnitude would not be easy infront of hostile away fans.

--IANS

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