Kolkata, August 23, 2019: Mohun Bagan is all set to face Gokulam Kerala FC in final of 2009 Durand Cup. While the Mariners are playing in their 28th Durand final, Gokulam are in their first ever final in their tournament.

Kibu Vicuna’s team’s performance in the semi-final against Real Kashmir FC drew praises from fans, football experts as well as the press. Mohun Bagan’s style of playing short passes and dominating possession is something that the fans of Green & Maroon brigade haven’t seen for a while.

Speaking to the press before the match Vicuna said “We have to improve every aspect of the game – defensively, offensively, transitions, set-pieces. We have a lot of things to improve. We have just started the season”. He further added, “It will be an open match. I don’t think we are favourites. Both teams have the same possibility to win. It is 50-50. Both teams are equally good and played tough matches in the semifinals. It is very special to play a final, that means we have been playing well. Every tournament is difficult. We played four matches and won all. It is going to be special of course as it is a very old tournament”.

Mohun Bagan’s opponents Gokulam Kerala has been one of the best teams in the tournament and deservingly reached their final after winning the semi final on penalties. The team from Kerala began their campaign with a perfect 4-0 win over Chennaiyin FC and followed it up with another commanding 3-0 victory over Indian Air Force. The barrage of goals didn’t stop for Gokulam in third group match as they picked up another handsome 4-1 win over I-League second division champions TRAU FC. In the semi-final Gokulam showed fantastic resilience and clawed back from a 1-0 deficit to grab a late equalizer before winning the match 3-2 on penalties.

Gokulam’s Trinidadian striker Marcus Joseph has been a revelation in Durand Cup. With two hattricks, he is the top scorer with nine goals and has scored at least once in every match so far. He is ably partnered by former Mohun Bagan striker Henry Kiseka. Goalkeeper Ubaid CK was one of Gokulam’s heroes in semi-final. In midfield Mohammad Rashid has been vital for the Malabarians.

In pre-match conference Gokulam coach Fernando Valera stated,”It will be a battle of nerves, that is what I feel. We had taken the game against East Bengal with responsibility and competitiveness as we have done for every match. Now, we don’t want to lose our focus in the final”.

Mohun Bagan face Gokulam Kerala in Durand Cup final at the Salt Lake Stadium on 24th August. The final showdown and closing ceremony will begin from 4.30 PM.