Ishfaq to represent Mohan Bagan in Syria

ABID KHAN

Srinagar, Mar 8: Ishfaq Ahmad, famous striker of the state has been selected by, Mohan Bagan for Syria trip to play in AFC challenge cup match against Al-Karamah scheduled to be played on March 10.Mohun Bagan Team left on Saturday from Kolkatta to play their first AFC Cup match against Al-Karamah. Before going to Syria, team will play practice match in Dubai against a local club.The 18-member team includes Sangram, Shilton, Dipak, Odafe, Manju, Habibur, Rahul Kumar, Mohanraj, Lalkamal, Marcos, Rakesh, Tulunga, Ramluah, James Sr, Branco, Baichung, Lalampuia and Ishfaq,Brazilian striker Barreto was injured during Churchill Match and doctor has asked him to take 7 days complete rest. Before leaving for Syria, the Team had a light training session, mostly without the ball warm up, jogging and stretching. Later, the players were divided into two teams and had a match practice. During the practice, the coach suggested Ishfaq to hold the ball for long Talking to Greater Kashmir on phone from Kolkatta, Ishfaq said that team is confident of good show.“We will be little cautious. Football is an amazing game and any result is possible,” he said. About Mohun Bagan’s chance in I-league, Ishfaq said, “We are contenders for winning I-League. Over the last few years’ teams from Bengal were not performing well in I-League. But I’m happy that our team is performing well in the League.” About the level of competition in AFC Cup, Ishfaq said, “It is a difficult tournament, but we will give our best and hope to perform better. A good result here will give us confidence to perform well in coming matches.” Two of the Asia’s oldest sporting clubs will meet at Khaled Ibn Alwaleed Stadium, Syria for the first round of AFC Cup.Ishfaq said that opposite team is very strong and they have been performing brilliantly in the tournament from last many years.“They are very strong side and can defeat any team on any given day. They usually lob the ball for the forwards from 30 yards into the box and if not guarded well, the forwards will take advantage of it. The defense is a mixture of experience and fresh legs. An average height is 6 ft 3 inches and very strong in aerial contest. A ground shot can beat them. They usually try to put opponents into offside trap,” he said.

Published in greater kashmir on FEb -9-2009: link: http://www.greaterkashmir.net/full_story.asp?Date=9_3_2009&ItemID=7&cat=4