It will be a grudge match for title holders East Bengal, while Churchill Brothers will endeavour to break their championship jinx when the two sides clash in the final of the 108th IFA Shield football tournament in Kolkata on Wednesday.
East Bengal, who went down 0-1 to the Goan outfit in the group league, would go full blast to extract revenge on familiar turf at the Salt Lake stadium.
"I could not register four of my boys who donned national colours in SAFF tournament at Dhaka. Five others cannot be fielded for indisposition, injury or office assignments. But since we have come this far, we will go all out," East Bengal coach Subhas Bhowmick told newspersons.
Churchill, the first ever Goan side to reach the Shield final, have generally begun well in most tournaments in recent years but have almost always stumbled at the final hurdle.
Twice they were pipped to the post by the eventual champions in the National League, besides finishing runners-up in the Goa league this year.
"I know, my team has earned the tag of chokers on big occasions. But we will prove our detractors wrong this time," Churchill manager Nobert Wilson said.
He said the side's only foreigner Nigerian Yakubu, who found the target against Tata Football Academy in the semi-final, had returned to form and this would stand his team in good stead in the tournament decider.
Bhowmick, on the other hand, indicated that Nigerian Suley Musah is his trump card for the final.
"I have always rated him highly. His absence was felt in the Durand Cup, though we managed to win,'' he said.
Musah scored in the semi-final against Vasco Sports club after finding the target in the concluding group league match against Tollygunge, besides spearheading countless other moves.
Bhowmick, who has utilised Musah's services in all departments -- defence, midfield and upfront -- however, refused to disclose the role he envisioned for the Nigerian against Churchill.
East Bengal, however, would be missing the services of indisposed Kulothungon and S Malsawmtluanga, while Koustov Ghosh and Brazilian striker Gilmar are nursing injuries. Veteran medio Tushar Rakshit was busy with office engagements.
"I have only 15 fit players. But my strong point is all my boys are rearing to win," Bhowmick said.
Churchill have been well served by their makeshift defender Noel Wilson and striker Kasif Jamal and the Goans would be hoping for another good show from the duo to put it across their opponents.
