Sporting face acid test

CALCUTTA, Sept 5: All the glitter about the recent performance of the one-time-giants Mohammedan Sporting will be put to test when they meet Mohun Bagan in the second semi-final of the KBL Federation Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium here tomorrow. Though one would be tempted to equate the two teams in view of the stunning victory that Sporting pulled off against Bagan in a recent match of the Calcutta Super League and their creditable show so far in the KBL Cup, it would be too early to conclude that Sporting had outlived their dark days.

On the other hand, the loss to Sporting had shook Bagan out of complacency and alerted them to the need for refocussing on their defence lapses. The club also remembers its loss in the semi-final of the tourney last year. 8220;We do not want a repeat of last year8217;s misfortunes, Bagan coach Amal Dutta said.

However, he is unwilling to give any special attention to Sporting. 8220;We are not planning anything special. We will try to attack but will keep our defences strong unlike thelast time. Moreover, in that match there was no stake. I had asked the boys to go for all out attack only.8221;

But rather than facing problems of form or injury, the favourites seem to have embroiled themselves in a controversy over Nigerian Import Friday Elaiho who is reportedly having a soured relatioin with the coach. Dutta feels that as already he has a set team, Friday would have to sit out for at least this tourney. Friday has gone public with his resentment against the coach8217;s decision.