The Hindu : Sport / Football : AFC Cup: East Bengal clashes with Al Jaish

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Wednesday, Sep 15, 2004

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AFC Cup: East Bengal clashes with Al Jaish

By Our Sports Reporter

KOLKATA, SEPT. 14. India's champion club Kingfisher East Bengal and Syrian topper Al Jaish meet in the AFC Cup quarterfinal here on Wednesday. Given East Bengal's uncertain form, coach Subhas Bhowmick said the team was in "miserable'' shape, especially in the light of the injury to key player Baichung Bhutia, out of action with a troubled knee.

"I am not happy with the preparations which have remained incomplete, especially due to the month-long absence of most of the key players,'' said Bhowmick, who felt that the National call-up of at least seven of his players has spoilt the rhythm of the team.

Bhutia's absence is a big blow to the team, as the charismatic striker is a big motivator.

The job now falls on the rusty Bijen Singh and sluggish Alvito D'Cunha. Another deterrent for East Bengal is the absence of quality foreign imports.

With the likes of Brazilian Christiano Junior and Nigerian Mike Okoro absent, Bhowmick is upset with the team management for not being able to get proper replacements.

The only positive aspect for East Bengal is that the injury fears surrounding East Bengal's Brazilian import, Douglas da Silva, have gone and he is set to join the action. Despite the terrible form it is in, East Bengal can still take advantage of the familiar conditions.

Al Jaish progressed to the knock-out phase topping group D where it won and drew once against Nebitichi and Olympic Beirut.

The club, the Syrian first division league champion 10 times, saw its form dip in the last season and it finished seventh. — Our Sports Reporter

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