East Bengal FC will take on Mumbai City FC in their final away fixture of this season’s Hero Indian Super League at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday (February 19) evening.
The Red & Golds lost their previous game 0-2 to Chennaiyin FC at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium last week. They are currently rooted to the ninth spot in the league table with 16 points from 18 games (5 wins, 1 draw and 12 defeats).
Mumbai City, meanwhile, claimed their second League Shield title by virtue of beating FC Goa 5-3 last Saturday. However, they will go into Sunday’s contest on the back of their first defeat this season. Bengaluru FC registered a 2-1 victory over the Islanders at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday to end their unbeaten run.
EBFC and MCFC have faced each other seven times so far. While the Red & Golds have won twice against their Mumbai counterparts (in the 2018 Hero Super Cup and the 2022 Durand Cup), they are yet to replicate the same in the Hero ISL. The most recent meeting between the two sides ended in a 3-0 win for MCFC at the Salt Lake Stadium, with Apuia (2) and Greg Stewart netting the goals.
Speaking to the EBFC Media Team ahead of the fixture, defender Mohamad Rakip opened up about his side’s approach for the final lap of this Hero ISL season, his personal form, the experience of representing East Bengal, and the prospect of facing his former team on Sunday.
Here are the excerpts:
On East Bengal’s approach for the last two Hero ISL 2022-23 fixtures
We have two matches left, which are going to be very challenging. We’ll play against Mumbai City FC on Sunday. They recently won the League Shield. We have to put our best foot forward and end the season on a high.
On his personal form
I didn’t get much game time in the previous seasons of the ISL. However, I’ve made five appearances this season. It has boosted my confidence. If I get more game time in our remaining two matches, I’ll try to give my best. I also want to cement my place in the side for the upcoming Super Cup.
On playing for East Bengal
East Bengal is one of the biggest clubs in India. The fans have a lot of expectations from us, which is completely fair. We are determined to win the next two games. It’s true that we are currently enduring a tough phase. We’ll end this ISL season with the derby on February 25. I want the supporters to throng the Salt Lake Stadium and cheer us on. We’ll leave no stone unturned to win the game and make our fans happy. Hopefully, we can secure a positive result.
On whether playing against his former team MCFC will give him extra motivation
Mumbai City FC is my former team and I have some good memories with them. That said, I am now playing for East Bengal. If given a chance in the game, I’ll give my all for this East Bengal jersey.