Durand Cup 2021: Cautious Gokulam face unpredictable Mohammedan in quarterfinal
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Kolkata: After a closely fought group stages, it is now time for the quarterfinals in the 130th Durand Cup, with a blockbuster first clash featuring defending champions Gokulam Kerala up against Mohammedan Sporting Club on Thursday at the Vivekananda Yubabharati Krirangan, kick-off at 2 pm.
Both teams go into the game on the back of impressive performances in the group stages. Gokulam topped their group to set-up the encounter with Mohammedan who finished second behind FC Bengaluru United in Group A.
Speaking on the eve of the game, Gokulam Coach, Vincenzo Alberto spoke about areas they need to work upon and said, “We don’t need to make any mistake. We have 90 minutes and in those 90 minutes, we need to run more than them, fight for each ball more than them. We need to win most of the second balls. They are very good with the second ball as most of the time, they play the long ball from the back. We need to win to proceed to the semi-finals. I really believe that if we win this game, we can go to the final. So, it is very important to win this game.”
Mohammedan, on the other hand, after achieving their first knockout stages qualification in 8 years, facing a tough mission against the defending champions.
Though Mohammedan coach Andrey Chernyshov admitted the game is going to be difficult, the Russian tactician is banking on home advantage to overcome the Malabarians.
The Russian tactician is adamant that his side will have an extra edge against their opponents thanks in part to the vocal spectators they expect to turn up in support of the side’s bid for a place in the semifinals.
“We are ready for the challenge. For a long time we played without fans. I have heard a lot about our amazing fans and finally they will come to support us. I am sure they will give us additional strength to win,” he said.
