Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

At last, Tolge in Mohun Bagan and Mohun Bagan defeated George Telegraph. Bagan 3, George 0 and the Mohun Bagan supporters witnessed football of pace, strikes and blend of intelligence in Tolge's play. Odafa has also played very well yesterday. -- A. B.

Now I think, if Odafa not missed the penalty shot, Bagan could win the match. Odafa not abled to play consistently in the second half and Dempo has taken the scope of slow pace in the second half and Ranti scored the second goal by defeating Shilton Paul. Moreover, Dempo tried to attack the defence of Bagan in the last minutes, but not succeeded. In spite of these, Odafa Okolie still the hero of today. In this picture, Odafa scoring the goal today. -- A. B.

Mohun Bagan leading by 2-1 goals against Dempo in the first half of this high voltage match of I-League at Salt Lake Stadium. The match started with the target shot by Odafa of Bagan. And then Dempo scored from penalty due to foul of hand ball. But then, Bagan griped the match with firm hands and all the players of Bagan inspired by the attacking football by Odafa. This Nigerian playing one of his best today. He scored 2 goals in the first half. And attempted to score several. In one word, Fantastic match! Mohun Bagan playing their best of this season today.-- A. B.

Legendary footballer Sailen Manna passes away this afternoon in Kolkata at the age of 87. Sports lovers of the city expressed deep grief to hear the sad news. He was born on 1 September, 1924 in Howrah and educated from Surendranath College. He started his football career early and played from 1940-42 for Howrah Union. Then played for Mohun Bagan from 1942 to 1960 till his retirement. He was included in the list of 10 best captains of the world by English FA in the year 1953. He was awarded Padmashree in 1971 by the Government of India. Awarded the prestigious 'Footballer Of The Millennium' by the Football Federation of India in the year 2000. Awarded 'Mohun Bagan Ratna' in 2001 and awarded 'Bangabibhushan' by the Government of West Bengal last year. He played many international matches for India. And he will be ever remembered as an Olympian and 1951 Asian Games gold medal winning football captain. Sailen Manna was the best defender India ever produ...

After the defeat of East Bengal by Prayag United in I-league at Salt Lake Stadium yesterday, the supporters of EB agitated for the defeat and surrounded the car of officials of their dear club. They also surrounded the team bus agitated by saying that there would be no hope to win the derby match next Saturday and almost lost the I-league. The supporters feeling sad that their dear club lagged behind in the race of championship. On the other hand, Mohun Bagan won the match against Chirag Kerala last night by 3-1 from two penalties scored by Odafa and other one by Barreto. And it was unusual to witness two penalties in a single match and marching order for two players. So, Bagan-Chirag match made history and all are now looking for the result of next derby match. -- A. B.

Now the second Derby match being played at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata between the ever rivals of the city of joy - East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan. East Bengal played without any concrete plan during first half. On the other hand, Mohun Bagan played very well, without giving East Bengal any scope to score. The first goal by Odafa was good, but Sandip Nandy was responsible for the goal also. The best goal of first half was by Manish Bharguv - a fantastic header. -- A. B.

Kolkata's Mohun Bagan defeated Hal Bangalore by 2 goals to 4 in I-League match in Bangalore stadium this evening. The first half of the match was for Hal, where they scored 2 goals. And when Bagan was searching the scopes to repay, Odafa sparked and scored 2 goals at 60 and 70 minute of the play. All the supporters prayed for another goal to cross Hal, and the gem came from the foot of Jewel Raja at 88 minute. Manish Maithani scored the last goal of the match at eleventh hour. Mohun Bagan will now face Dempo and Salgaonkar.-- A. B.

The performance of Mohun Bagan team is not up to the mark. The Police Association defeated Bagan yesterday. They always tried to arrest the goal-makers of Bagan. The supporters of Bagan shouted to see the play-acting of PFA. But it is the part of game. Why not the players of Bagan tried to give their best? Disappointed Sachib Anjan Mitra admitted, excessive play is the cause of dull play. But the coach remarked, the team of Bagan should be reoriented.-- A. B.

Partial load-shedding at Salt Lake Stadium on the 85 min of play didn't snatch the joy and happiness among the supporters of Mohun Bagan - finally Bagan won the first Derby match of this year. And beat East Bengal after 19 months! But the total match never reached at the peak of standard play. Lack of quality, tendency to play on the mid field - not expected from the two teams. But referee Pratap Singh tackled the adverse situations well (4 yellow cards). And Mohun Bagan won the Derby Match by solitary goal of Odafa Okolie - hero of the day. -- A. B.

Tomorrow, 20 November - Derby match of the year. The two big football club of Kolkata will play the most prestigious, most gorgeous, most magnificent and most deadly match of i-league at the biggest stadium of Kolkata - Salt Lake Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Much enthusiasm created already with this match among the supporters - who will smile the last smile. I'm always the supporter of Mohun Bagan. And hope, with Barreto and Chhettri Opara - Bagan will win the match.-- A. B.