Mohun Bagan SG vs CISF Protectors | Durand Cup Match Preview

byTeam MBFT -

The Final Group Test where the pieces come together!



Sometimes, a football team needs only one performance to remind everyone of what it is capable of. After beginning their Durand Cup campaign with a 1–0 victory over arch-rivals East Bengal, the Mariners turned on the style in their second Group A fixture, producing an emphatic 8–0 victory over South United FC. It was a statement of attacking intent from a side beginning to find its rhythm under new head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis.

Now, with the final group-stage fixture against CISF Protectors on August 10, Mohun Bagan have another opportunity to strengthen that momentum. The Mariners and East Bengal currently sit level on six points, while CISF Protectors enter the final match day without a point after defeats against South United and East Bengal.



~: Analysis :~

MOHUN BAGAN
The 8–0 victory over South United offered plenty of encouragement to Dilmperis. The Mariners attacked with purpose, moved the ball quickly, switched flanks and repeatedly found spaces behind and around the opposition defence. Manvir Singh stood at the heart of that display, completing a superb hat-trick and underlining just how dangerous he can be when given the freedom to attack spaces from the wide areas.

Dejan Dražić looked sharp, confident and heavily involved in Mohun Bagan's attacking moves, adding another layer of creativity to a side that already possesses considerable quality in the final third. Sahal Abdul Samad's movement between the lines, ability to carry the ball forward and willingness to take on defenders gave Mohun Bagan another dimension. And now, Dilmperis has even more options at his disposal.

The Maclaren Factor
Jamie Maclaren needs little introduction to the Mariners. The Australian striker returns to a squad that has just scored eight goals, and his presence immediately raises the possibilities in the final third.

Maclaren can offer the movement and finishing presence required to turn sustained pressure into goals. His ability to occupy central defenders could also create additional space for the attacking midfielders and wingers around him.

Dražić's creativity, Figueira's ability to progress the ball and Maclaren's movement inside the box could give Mohun Bagan a completely different attacking structure. It may not necessarily be the combination Dilmperis chooses from the start, but the CISF fixture could provide the ideal opportunity to test it.

Miguel Figueira: The Transfer That Changed Colours
The Brazilian midfielder crossed the Kolkata divide after playing a pivotal role in East Bengal's historic ISL title-winning campaign last season, earning the ISL Golden Ball in the process. Now, the same midfielder will walk onto the pitch donning the Green-and-Maroon colours. That alone makes his debut one of the most anticipated moments of the match.

Figueira's ability to receive possession between the lines, progress the ball and connect midfield with attack could add another layer to Dilmperis' system. With Apuia and Anirudh Thapa providing control and balance, Figueira could be given the freedom to influence the game further forward.

The Midfield Battle
Apuia has shown his ability to provide composure and ball progression, while Anirudh Thapa brings experience, passing range and an understanding of how to control the tempo. Figueira, meanwhile, offers a more attack-minded profile. Dražić gives Dilmperis another creative option capable of linking midfield with the final third.

But Dilmperis will also have to maintain balance. CISF Protectors may be expected to defend deep for long periods, making patience just as important as attacking aggression. Mohun Bagan will need to move the ball quickly enough to create openings without becoming vulnerable to transitions. The challenge is no longer simply to score. It is to control the game while continuing to build the combinations that could define the season ahead.

CISF PROTECTORS

CISF Protectors have endured a difficult Group A campaign so far. They suffered a 2–0 defeat against South United before East Bengal handed them an emphatic 8–0 loss, leaving them without a point heading into their final fixture.

For CISF, this is an opportunity to finish their Durand Cup campaign with a strong performance against one of India's biggest clubs. Their disciplined and physical approach could force Mohun Bagan to break down a compact defensive structure rather than simply rely on open spaces.

The opening goal could therefore be crucial. If Mohun Bagan score early, the match could open up. If CISF manage to remain compact and frustrate the Mariners, Dilmperis' side may have to show patience and perseverence. Either way, the responsibility will lie with Mohun Bagan to dictate the terms.



~: Probable XI :~

As said by Coach Panos to media recently, both Maclaren and Miguel are not ready to play 45 minutes to their full potential so, they are expected to come on as substitutes.

Mohun Bagan (4-3-3): Vishal Kaith (GK); Rahul Bheke, Mehtab Singh, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose(GK); Apuia, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad; Dejan Drazic, Manvir Singh , Kiyan Nassiri.

CISF Protectors (4-3-3): Raj Mahato (GK); Mohammad Khalid, Manraj Singh, Muneesh Kumar, Ankit Kumar Rana; Vasu Kanojiya, Pawan Pratap Singh, Gurpal Singh; Rajdeep Singh, Maninder Singh Negi, Bhola Singh.

When is the Match,Venue and Where to Watch

📆 August 10, 2026 (Monday)
🕔 4:00 PM IST
🏟️ Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
📺 Sony Ten 2 and Ten 2 HD
📱 SonyLIV App.

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