AFC Cup- Bagan lose Yusa to injury ahead of Rovers clash
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Mohun Bagan lifted their 14th Federation Cup title on Saturday, but the win did not come without a cost. The Mariners lost influential vice-captain, Japanese Yusa Katsumi, to an ankle injury during the final, and the 27-year old will miss the round-of-16 playoff clash vs Tampine Rovers on Tuesday.
Mohun Bagan beat Aizawl FC 5-0 at the weekend, and Yusa Katsumi played a key role in the side’s win. His absence adds to the growing headache for coach Sanjoy Sen, who will also be without the services of Haitian playmaker Sony Norde. Norde scored and assisted against Aizawl, but his callup to the national side has left Bagan weakened before their AFC Cup match. Injury will also keep out right-back Pritam Kotal from the tie, thus giving Tampine Rovers an advantage heading into the match.
Yusa has played 29 games for Bagan this season, and his absence might open the door for Md Azharuddin to make a start. Bagan, who topped their group, will take on Tampine Rovers on Tuesday evening at Guwahati.
