Bagan hope to complete whitewash of Saunders FC

National League champions Mohun Bagan are looking forward to completing a first round whitewash of Sri Lanka's Saunders FC when they clash with them in their 'home' match of the AFC Champion's League on September 22, at the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata.

Bagan had beaten the Sri Lankan champions 2-0 in their 'away' match on September 11.

Bagan secretary Anjan Mitra said his club will go all out for victory.

"We hope to field the deadly duo of Baichung Bhutia and Jose Ramirez Barreto in the 'home' match because a win here not only means moving into the second round of the Champion's league, but also earning 10,000 dollars.

"This money will go into Mohun Bagan's account and not in the account of the United Breweries," he said.

"We have an excellent forward line and a balanced half-line. So it should not be difficult. George Ekeh in defence has been able to plug a lot of holes. But we are not taking the Lankan club lightly. They are a good side with a lot of quality players," Mitra added.

He informed a second round victory would earn the team 15,000 dollars.

Talking about the match, Mitra said the team management had a talk with All India Football Federation secretary Alberto Colaco and asked him to request India team coach Stephen Constantine to release Bhutia for the crucial match.

Baichung, who is currently away with the Indian Asian Games probables playing friendlies, will return on September 19 after a match against Uzbekistan.

However, there is a shadow over the availability of Debjit Ghosh. The defender is in the midst of a transfer row, which the All India Football Federation will decide at a meeting at New Delhi in the next couple of days. If the decision goes against Debjit, he will have to return to Mahindra United for the rest of the season.

Earlier report:
Mohun Bagan win 'away' Champions League tie
Mohun Bagan may skip IFA Shield for Asia Cup