Title-holders Mohun Bagan have their task cut out when they meet Myanmar's Finance and Revenue Football Club (FRFC) in the final of the 110th IFA Shied football tournament in Kolkata on Sunday.
Boosted by the hard-earned victory over East Bengal in Friday's semi-final, Bagan are looking to put it across the Myanmar outfit and bring the smiles back on the faces of their supporters, who have, in recent times, helplessly watched the factional feuds, court battles and even a drunken brawl sully the image of the glamour club.
However, Bagan coach Subrata Bhattacharya admitted that it will not be easy against the Myanmar outfit, who have impressed during the tournament.
"They are a good side. The forwards are very fast," Bhattacharya said.
Soccer buffs, however, are expecting a high quality game from the two teams and the match is likely to be close as the teams finished 1-1 in the group league stage.
The visitors made it to the last four by topping the group, ahead of Bagan, who were placed second.
Bhattacharya is banking on another sterling performance from his new Brazilian recruit, Roberto Mendes Silva (Beto), who netted a brace against East Bengal.
Bhattacharya is also hoping he'll be able to field medio Noel Wilson and defender Mehtab Hossain, who suffered from cramps in the closing stages of the semi-final, which was decided by the tie-breaker.
A strong point for Bagan at the Salt Lake stadium on the morrow is the presence of custodian Prashanta Dora, who is on a high after propelling his side to the summit round by saving a crucial penalty in sudden-death.
FRFC, who have so far scored 14 goals in three matches, have a lethal forward line, spearheaded by skipper Myo Hlaing Win, who has already scored four goals in the tournament.
The Bagan defenders also need to keep a close watch on the in-form Aung Kyaw Moe, who has given a good account of himself, and played a big role in his side's 3-1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting in the semi-finals.
