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File Photo: Syed Nabi
Kolkata, Oct 13: Mumbai City FC captain Syed Rahim Nabi is doubtful for their next ISL fixture against Pune City FC after sustaining an ankle injury during the lung opener against Atletico de Kolkata here today. The 28-year-old was stretchered off after injuring his ankle and he was replaced by Nadong Bhutia in the 38th minute. Head Coach Peter Reid was already without Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg, who missed the first game with a calf problem and has Nicolas Anelka suspended till the third game.
“We are going to get X-ray done. We will see how it goes. I think we will know later, maybe tomorrow. We will take a call in the next coming days,” Reid said about Nabi who has been hospitalised.
Nabi made a bad tackle in the second minute and got the first booking of ISL 2014. Atletico handed the Mumbai franchise a 3-0 rout in the opening fixture at the Salt Lake Stadium with goals from Fikru Teferra Lemessa, Borja Fernandes and Arnal Llibert. After the game, manager of the newest team from the football crazy city of Kolkata, Antonio Habas said he would like to see more fans rooting for them as the tournament progresses.
“I am very happy with the (fans’) support. We need more support in next games. My team had the belief in themselves,” Habas said after their convincing 3-0 victory against Mumbai City FC. Hailing the team that had the distinctive Spanish flavour in short passing skills, Habas said, “They all played fantastic football. My team had the belief in ourselves. We’re always persistent.”
Asked to compare the standard in football with Atletico Kolkata and their partners in La Liga giants Atletico Madrid he quipped: “I don’t want to compare sitting 80,000kms away from Atletico Madrid.”
Impressing one and all, ATK dominated the proceedings right from the start with Borja Fernandes winning the ‘Hero of the match’ for his stunning powerful volley to make it 2-0 in the second-half. Fikru, who scored the very first goal of the ISL to give ATK the lead in the 27th minute won the Moment of the Match, while goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury was adjudged Emerging Player.
Read More: Indian Super League: Full Fixture List and Match Schedule
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