Chirag United proves a point
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A date with the mighty Mohun Bagan at the Salt Lake Stadium can be a daunting thought for most Indian clubs, but Chirag United Kerala, despite losing 1-2 to the Kolkata giants on their home turf, have proven that they are well equipped to have an engaging trek all the way.
Chirag went into the Mariners game not having played even one friendly match and hence an easy drubbing at the hands of the dangerous goal scorer Odafa Okolie and Co. was in the offing.
But contrary to all predictions the visitors held possession for most part of the match and created a whole host of chances— so, like a well set team, they clearly deserved at least a point.
Nizam Packeer Ali, the Sri Lankan coach who took charge when the team was in disarray after the Federation Cup disaster said that there was a positive take from the Kolkata game.
“In my eyes the boys did a tremendous job, silly mistakes were the reason why we lost. As a young and inexperienced team we would have been happy with a draw, but I think we played better than Mohun Bagan,” said the coach.
The Kerala side played with Australian Michael Matricciani upfront and relied on the vibrant Sabas Saleel and HAL match winner C.K. Vineeth to provide the passes. This was an effective move until Saleel got a sore knee and was replaced by Ashik just before half time.
However, Chirag came back into the second half charged up and clear in their intentions. Bagan goalie, Sangram Mukherjee was on his heels for the next 45 minutes until Chirag custodian Sharath’s butterfingers allowed an easy tuck-in for Odafa.
That was a situation which demanded character from Chirag and despite a goal down they continued to push for goals and were rewarded via Michael’s side-footed chip shot, out of reach of Sangram, in the back of the next, bringing the visitors on level.
But a well taken, curling free kick from the Bagan captain Jose Barreto, just outside the box settled the issue and Chirag tasted defeat after a promising effort on the field. Assistant Coach Bino George, says, “It was just our second match. We will have an improved performance in the next matches. "
Captain and central midfielder K. Ajayan says, “We deserved a point, but if we can do it against Mohun Bagan we can play well against any team.
We played an attacking game and all of us had clearly assigned duties. But at the end of the day we lost and we certainly would not like to taste defeat again.” Chirag next play Pune FC away on November 1.
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