ANI
23 Nov 2022, 09:07 GMT+10
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 23 (ANI): Runners-up of last season of I-League Mohammedan Sporting are yet to open their account this season with two losses in two so far. The Black and White Brigade will be looking to turn their fortunes around when they play their first home game against NEROCA FC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Wednesday,The action will start from 7:00 PM onwards.
Mohammedan travelled to face strong oppositions in the shape of Gokulam Kerala and RoundGlass Punjab in the first two rounds, losing 0-1 on each occasion. Andrey Chernyshov's side found themselves trailing after just three minutes against RG Punjab in Panchkula on Sunday and, despite dominating possession for much of the contest, could not find a way back.
"We played really well against Punjab. The quality of football was good but the result was not on our side. We could not make the most of our chances and we need to be more aggressive in attack," said Chernyshov in a statement by the league.
"Against NEROCA, we want to start well and press them from the first minute," he added.
Last season's Golden Boot winner Marcus Joseph has had a rough start to the season. The Trinidad and Tobago striker picked up an injury in pre-season at the Baji Rout Cup in Odisha and missed the first game against Gokulam. He was finally fit to start against RoundGlass Punjab.
"Marcus is back with the team now but it is not easy for him as we have been travelling a lot for the away matches," said Chernyshov.
The Russian coach is looking forward to Mohammedan's first match at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. "It is our first home game and we want to, and need to win this game in front of our supporters. We want to make the most of our home advantage."NEROCA FC, who were beaten by Real Kashmir in their opening match, got off the mark for the season with a 1-0 victory over Sudeva Delhi last Friday. New striker signing Jourdain Fletcher's excellent long-range strike in the second half made the difference for the Orange Brigade.
Wangkhem Khogen Singh, now in his second season as NEROCA head coach, shared his thoughts on his side's start to the competition. "In the first match (against Real Kashmir), we were unlucky. We then won the second match against Sudeva Delhi. I am happy with the spirit in the team as we are working hard to do better."When asked about the improvements he would like to see going ahead, Khogen replied, "I want my team to convert the chances we create during the match and we are working on it."Also working to improve with every game is NEROCA's new goalkeeper signing Soram Poirei. "As every season, my target is to help my team in every way possible and do better with every match."The 29-year-old is delighted to be a part of the Orange Brigade this season. "It is my childhood club and my family is also close with NEROCA. I feel confident with the support I get," Poirei added.
NEROCA's Wednesday opponents Mohammedan may have lost both their opening matches but coach Khogen believes it is going to be a big challenge for his side, especially away from home.
"Mohammedan are a good team with experienced players and they also have the home advantage. But anything can happen in the match. We will stick to our plan and give our best," he stated. (ANI)Get a daily dose of Caribbean Herald news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Caribbean Herald.
More InformationLONDON, U.K.: This week, BP appointed Simon Henry, former Shell finance chief, to its board as a non-executive director effective September...
OTTAWA, Canada: With Canada Post struggling to maintain operations amid labour unrest, rivals like FedEx and UPS are stepping in to...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. and global markets showed a mixed performance in Tuesday's trading session, with some indices edging higher...
PARIS, France: French military and intelligence officials have accused China of orchestrating a covert campaign to damage the reputation...
NEW DELHI, India: Birkenstock is stepping up its efforts to protect its iconic sandals in India, as local legal representatives conducted...
HONG KONG: China has fired back at the European Union in an escalating trade dispute by imposing new restrictions on medical device...
New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being conferred...
New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pradeep Bhandari on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's...
Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with a warm and culturally rich welcome upon his arrival...
(250709) -- MONTEGO BAY, July 9, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Participants attend a press conference of the closing ceremony of the 49th Regular...
Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): The Indian diaspora in Namibia expressed immense excitement and anticipation as Prime Minister Narendra...
Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, on Wednesday morning (local...