Mahindra, E Bengal clash on Friday

A keen tussle is on the cards when Mumbai challengers Mahindra United clash with Kolkata giants East Bengal in the third round of the National Football League, at the Cooperage ground in Mumbai, on Friday.

East Bengal, the defending champions, are desperate for a victory following their solitary goal defeat against their Kolkata mates Mohun Bagan. They have just three points from two matches, which came from a 3-1 victory over Punjab Police in their opening match of the league.

They are handicapped somewhat by the absence of stopper back Deepak Mondal and prolific scorer Joe Paul Ancheri, both sidelined due to injury, but their two India internationals, forward I M Vijayan and goalkeeper Sangram Mukherjee, and Nigerian mid-fielders Felix Obyomi and Isiaka provide an all-round balance to the side.

The Mumbai team will hope that their two Nigerian forwards, Austin Akolo and Bala Usman, are able to reproduce the form they displayed in the team's victory over Vasco, Goa. It was the first match for both players but they came off quite well and got a goal each in the process.

Mahindra, who have four points from two outings -- a draw against ITI in their opening match and a 2-0 victory over Vasco, will try and make the best of the home advantage. With an experienced mid-field of Khalid Jamal, S Venkatesh, Raman Vijayan and Mohammed Najeeb, and a solid defence of Jeevan Moras, Bernard Opernezie, Tapan Ghosh and Anthony Periera they have it in them to upset the defending champions.

Goa's Vasco Sports Club will be looking for their first win when they take on Punjab Police in Margao, Goa, on Friday.

The Goans, who drew with HAL and lost to Mahindra United in their previous matches, look stronger than their opponents. However, they will not take the policemen lightly considering that they gave a scare to East Bengal in their first match.

Punjab Police, who lost both the matches they played, will be relying on the brilliance of 'keeper Satish Kumar and their defenders. Kumar has been a pillar of strength and kept the scoreline down in their matches against East Bengal and Churchill Brothers. Had it not been for his brilliant display they may have lost by half a dozen goals against both teams.

Vasco also have a safe pair of hands in Rogerio Ramos and their defence looks sound with Sanjay Parte, Agnelo Colaco, Denzil Coutinho and Bhola Dey, all in good form.

Midfielder Avazbek Koshimov will lead the attack from behind along with Daniel Colaco, Marcos Pereira and Satish Minz. But their strikers, Rui Wanderley Weis and Peter Rodrigues will have to come up with some good finishing. Both have been unable to strike up a good rhytmn and will have to captilise on the chances that come their way for Vasco to register their first victory in the tournament.

PHOTOGRAPHS: Jewella C Miranda.

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