MUMBAI, Dec 4: Central Railway need one last chug to lift the 98th Bristol Rovers Cup, the blue riband event of the Western India Football Association when they take on local rivals Bengal Mumbai Football Club (BMFC) in tomorrow's grand finale.But that would take some effort, given their grueling run to the final from the Mini Rovers that has meant playing nine matches in three weeks. More pertinently, it would be the sitting out of two key figures in their heroic progress that stands to undermine Central's prospects in their quest of lifting their first-ever Rovers title.Suspensions to forward Arshad Ansari and wing-back Sadanand Kakodkar will hit Central's prospects hard, even if the railwaymen hold the mental edge, having beaten their opponents in the Super Division league.Central Railway's trans-Rovers trail has vanquished such renowned names as FC Kochin, Vasco and an Iranian club, including four World Cuppers before putting paid to Goa giants and hot favourites Salgaocar in a penaltyshootout.BMFC, attempting to carve their own piece of history, eye the title on debut. Formed last season, the professional club hope to add to their local Super Division title.Iranian coach Jamshed Nassiri enjoys a whole lot of options for a squad boasting of a strong attack. Nigerian Emeka Achelifu, Abhay Kumar and Kasif Jamal, supported by mid-fielder James Singh, the ex-TFA lad, form a formidable offensive line. With Gurinder Pal Singh, the right-wing back, not shy of foraying repeatedly upfront, Central Railway's defence must gear up to work overtime.Nazir Hussain returns from suspension to boost the defence, buoyed by the diminutive but athletic 'keeper Gumpe Rime and in stopper Aloke Das, BMFC have an added weapon. Das has been dangerous from free-kicks, having scored a beauty against Dempo in the quarters, following exploits in the IFA Shield.But, weakened by suspensions or not, Central Railway must feel secure in defence by an awesome last line in goalkeeper Raghuveer Khanolkar, clearlythe outstanding player of the tournament.With coach Irenio Vaz prompting the side to play according to the opposition, Central have shaped adeptly in controlling the pace. Mid-field general Arif Ansari has been exemplary and has enjoyed fine support in namesakes Hameed and Masood and Shanta Kumar.Central's attack will look up to Asif Jamal with the likelihood of effervescent teenager Lanachuba Inchen being called upon to play a bigger role in the absence of Arif Ansari.General sentiment makes two local teams in the final appear to be a staid prospect but given the heady happenings in recent days - at the forefront of which has been Central's amazing surge - soccer fans in the city would do well to attend.
