After CFL Derby Draw, what's next for Mohun Bagan? | CFL Derby Review

byAnik Nandi -

After Super Six qualification, Mohun Bagan faced arch rivals, EBFC in CFL Derby!

There were plenty of murmurs that went along the streets leading to the venue. What usually brought chants and slogans brought an atmosphere of eerie. On one side was EBFC fans, who were skeptical of their capability to pull through with the reserve players against Mohun Bagan's lineup that featured many main team players. On the other end, Mohun Bagan wanted revenge for the Durand Cup final upset. The monsoon rain washed away the Monday blues before Kickoff.

~: The Starting Lineup :~



EBFC (5-4-1): Gourab Shaw (GK) ; Jay Baz - Monotosh Chakladar - Bikram Pradhan - Ankan Bhattacharya - Chaku Mandi ; Tanmay Das - Manotos Maji - Uttam Hansda - Bijay Murmu ; Akash Hemram.

~: How the Match Unfolded :~

Barasat Stadium, aka Vidyasagar Krirangan hosted the first senior team 'Boro Match' historic derby. The weather was clear with mizzling rain when the match started but some areas of the pitch had wet patches.

In the first 10 minutes, Mohun Bagan looked well to establish control over the midfield. In the 8th Minute, Mehtab got the ball outside the box and took a powerful shot that whizzed past the post. Apuia shifted to pseudo-Centre-Back role during transition from the back. He was seen getting visibly frustrated with Mehtab's reluctancy to progress down the right wing.

Sahal pressed well and applied pressure in the attacking third. In the 23rd minute, Tanmoy got the ball with acres of space and ample time but his shot got deflected out for a corner.

Even though Bagan had complete control over the midfield, occasional misspasses from Tanmay and Apuia shifting to pseudo CB role drastically reduced the potency of the midfield. There was no one supporting Sahal in the attacking third when EB players surrounded him from all sides.

Apuia took most of the freekicks but his highly raised balls that floated into the box were ineffective and easy to clear out.

At 35', Manvir charged towards a long ball pass. Keeper Shaw got to it first but fumbled it. Kiyan rushed in next but he was too late, allowing the keeper to get a good hold onto it.

Two minutes later, Sahal nutmegs a defender and launched a belter which zoomed off target. At 38', Manvir broke the deadlock with an accurate placement towards the near post. Gourab Shaw left space to cover the other side and Manvir exploited it perfectly while handling two defenders simultaneously!

Right before half time, Sahal passed the ball to Kiyan on the right wing. He sent in a cross for Sayan in the box, who set it up for Sahal to score, but the ball left his feet lacking speed and power. A good chance went to waste as the Half Time whistle blew with one goal lead.



Right at the start of the second half, EBFC played aggressively to make the score level. At 47', brilliant block by Subhasish Bose came in clutch in the box to deny a goal scoring opportunity to the Red-and-Yellow's.

In the next 5 minutes, Bagan exerted massive pressure with a barrage of shots, crosses and box penetrating runs. However, the opponents managed to hold them off.

Monotosh got injured in a clash and was subbed out for Bilal. Then on, they looked more in control due to change in formation. EBFC progressed more with the ball and posed threats from the outskirts of the box. Pace, press and intensity was there and it kept building up.

At 61', plenty of deflections took place inside Mohun Bagan's box but the final shot from Bilal clattered the side nets.

A minute later, Tanmay was out of breath as he kept walking around the park, allowing long range shots to be taken. Deeprovat made a good save.

The pressure mounted up. In the 63rd minute, a well-delivered corner cross found Bilal who flicked the ball towards the second post. An amazing head from the golden sub brought them back into the game.

After making scores level, EBFC reverted back to defensive formation. The tired and unfit players of Mohun Bagan couldn't keep up with pace of the game. At 69', Manvir got a good pass inside the box, but Mandi slided in to snatch the ball off his feet.

Questionable substitutions occured. Sahal was subbed out for Suhail and lo and behold! Suhail was playing as CAM for Mohun Bagan!

Gourab pulled off an incredible save at the end of regulated time. Subhasish's long throw bounced in the box a couple of times, but eluded the net due to the keeper's timely intervention.



With an all-Bengali starting XI, EBFC managed to hold off Mohun Bagan in the CFL derby. With a 1-1 draw, EBFC fans were jubilant with the final result!

The Mariners, on the other hand, were disappointed in the deplorable gameplay and lack of hunger shown on the wet pitch by the team. The coaching system headed by Bastab Roy is under scrutiny and he must redeem himself by getting the job done and focus on winning the title instead of choosing to praising the arch rivals in the post-match press conference!

~: What's Next for Mohun Bagan? :~

Next Up, Super Six Round. Next Target: To be crowned CFL Champions!

After playing 3 matches with other top 3 of opposite group toppers, whoever comes first will be crowned Champions of CFL 2026.

Mohun Bagan faces Coal India on 10th September at Mohun Bagan AC Ground.

Mohun Bagan faces United SC on 13th September at Mohun Bagan AC Ground.

Mohun Bagan faces Mohammedan SC on 17th September at Barasat Stadium.

 All matches are at 3 PM.

Due to less number of matches, apart from winning the games, scoring many goals and keeping clean sheets will matter a lot.

CFL will conclude on 19th September, as per schedule. IFA Shield is expected to begin from 21st September. As reigning Champions, Mohun Bagan will defend the IFA Shield this year!



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Author - Anik Nandi Anik Nandi
Writer, Journalist and Editorial Head at MBFT
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