MMC must put pieces together to beat Maldives outfit

A stroke of luck and bylaws of the tournament helped Manang Marshyangdi Club reach the semi-final of the Sheikh Kamal International Club football championship in Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Mohammedan Sporting Club(MSC) did a huge favour to  Manang. Marshyangdi Club (MMC) by getting the better of Shaheen Asmayee FC in the decisive final game of the group.

The 2-1 victory registered by MSC over Shaheen Asmayee FC put MMC in the last four. All that was needed by the  Afghan Club was a  draw or win for   a semi-final spot..

Likewise, even a 3-1 victory could not have helped MSC’s  cause because of the competition bylaws in place.

Had they not made it to the semi-final,MMC would have rued their missed chances and had only to  blame themselves. In the vital clash against defending champions Chittagong Abahani Limited  they squandered  a 2-0 lead and barely managed  to salvage a draw at the end.

Their fate largely hinged on the outcome of the final group clash between  the Dhaka outfit  and the Afghan club . They were aware that they would advance to  the semi-final only if MSC came up trumps. Much to their relief, after 90 minutes of action and suspense,lady luck smiled on them.

Against Chittagong Abahani Limited  MMC came out  strong with the right approach tactically and mentally.  They were aggressive  and played attacking football  from the word go, dominating the proceedings.It did not take long for them to  jump to  a 2-0 lead and were  seemingly well in control of the game.

Their foreign import  Nigerian Afeez Olawale, the mercurial striker stood out yet again  scoring both goals. Despite two- goal cushion, MMC failed to take advantage, dictate their terms and control the tempo of the game.

They made tactical errors by   considerably slowing down, slacking  and allowing the opposition to take play deep into their own territory. In addition, the defence was once again left exposed.

Predictably they caved in under  pressure and  quickly lost the initiative. By the time they realized what was happening, it was too late. It would have been a disaster  had they conceded  the crucial tie. At least they averted a defeat,  and it made a big difference.To put in mildly, they were architects of their own downfall.

Through all of the speculation , uncertainty and suspense, MMC  are  only two steps away from the championship title. They take on unheralded  Group A winners Trust and Care Sports Club, Maldives for a place in the final.

The  low- profile  club from Maldives  have been the surprise package of the  tournament. Playing in their first international club tourney they have had a remarkable run  so far. They are undefeated and have shown they can play good football.

The Islanders are a talented young team packed with under-19 players, which include our own Kiran Chemjong tending the goal. They have  exhibited  energy, consistency, tenacity, attacking flair, dogged defence and will-power. They would be tough nuts to crack.

It is a wide open match, and anyone can win. MMC  has plenty of  experience to draw on, but  the fact of the matter is they will need more  to prevail over the  opposition. They  have to set the tempo of the game early on, show more consistency, must not  get  complacent and convert scoring chances.

They will need to raise the energy level of the game. More important, strong midfield play and  solid defense will hold  key to the team’s fortune. It is time for  the experienced  duo of Biraj Maharjan and Rohit Chand to solidify the shaky defence.

Although  the team will heavily rely on prolific Nigerian striker Olawale  for goals , Anil Gurung,  Deepak Rai, Sujal Shrestha  and Bishal Rai have to step up  and lift off the pressure on the Nigerian.

If I were in Head Coach Lobsang Tsering  Gurung/s shoes   I would  go for an attacking strategy either the 4-3-3 or the 3-4-3 formation . It  is just a thought. MMC  can win the match if they show they are a team  who can put the pieces together.