The Des Buckingham coached Indian Super League side Mumbai City FC face up to the challenge of local favourites Mohammedan Sporting in the first semi-final of the Durand Cup at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday.
On paper, the Islanders have the slight edge going into the big game on Wednesday, given the sheer menacing nature of their attacking game and the quality and experience of the overall squad. However, the Islanders have scored 18 times in the tournament so far – the highest among all 20 teams – and the Black & White brigade have been no slouch having scored a dozen times themselves.
They have looked very well organised and settled under Russian coach Andrey Chernyshov, letting in just two in their campaign to the Islanders 10. MDSP also gave fellow semi-finalists Bengaluru FC a run for their money in a 1-1 draw and have played a pleasing brand of football.
Greg Stewart and Lallianzuala Chhangte have been the leading lights of the MCFC campaign scoring 13-times between them- the latter currently the tournament highest scorer with seven goals to his name. With the addition of experienced Senegalese defender Mourtada Fall and ace distributor Rowlin Borges, the Islanders now also look even more…
