Pride on stake as Mohun Bagan play Chirag

Local giants Mohun Bagan and Chirag United will look to play for pride when they face-off in I-League match at Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

Kolkata: Out of the title race, local giants Mohun Bagan and Chirag United will look to play for pride when they face-off in their round 22 return-leg I-League match at Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday.

The green-and-maroon brigade has hit an all-time low in a trophy-less season. They came close to winning the IFA Shield but their inconsistent show did not help. Mohun Bagan continued their disappointing run in the I-League, losing their last-round match to bitter rivals East Bengal for the fourth time in five meetings -- with the other being a draw. Against Chirag United, their record is equally lackluster as Mohun Bagan are yet to notch a win over their city challengers this season. Mohun Bagan go into the match with a lot of handicaps -- their defence will be badly hit by the absence of Rakesh Maish and Deepak Mondal (both double yellow).The side also has injury worries to star striker Jose Barreto and India defender Anwar Ali, making the task much tougher for technical director Subhas Bhowmick. Their title aspiration may have gone for a toss but Bhowmick said the boys are motivated enough as they are aiming for a top five finish.Mohun Bagan (26) are placed sixth ahead of Chirag United. PTI