Low on confidence,Bagan play Al Karama

Mohun Bagans AFC Cup match against Syrian side Al Karama seems to have come at a bad time. The confidence that the Kolkata club have been enjoying for a while has done the disappearing act after they were dealt successive losses in their last two games,and the morale of the players has been considerably affected as they prepare for the away tie.

Our prime focus at the moment is the I-League. The players are tired after a long season. Of course,we havent come here as tourists. But for this year,the AFC Cup can take a backseat, Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa told The Indian Express from Syria. Bagan will miss Jose Barreto,who is recovering from a lower back injury.

Damascus weather could be another problem for the Kolkata outfit. The temperature is going down to four degrees Celsius at night. Indian players are not used to such conditions. It will be tough, said the Bagan coach,who is likely to pack the midfield with five players in search for one point. Bhaichung Bhutia will play as the lone striker upfront.