Kolkata, March 7: Mohun Bagan star Haitian Sony Norde on Tuesday, March 7, made no bones about the fact that arch-rivals East Bengal are in a better position to win the I-League and his team cannot afford anything less than a win against Mumbai FC on Wednesday, March 8.

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"East Bengal have the advantage. They are playing well. If we win these two games we can be on 27 points also. The league is not decided yet but they are in good position," Norde told reporters here.

Bagan, who are third on the I-League table with 21 points having played two games less than East Bengal (27 points) and second placed Aizawl FC (26 points), lost their first match of the campaign against Churchill Brothers 1-2 on March 4.

Norde said if the former I-League champions want to win the title again, they cannot afford such slip-ups.

"We spoke about the importance of home games. We can't lose anymore points. The players have to take this very seriously. If we want to win this league, we cannot lose any more matches," Norde said.

Bagan have won all their five home matches so far.

On Mumbai FC, who are rock bottom in the table and haven't won since January 15 against Churchill Brothers, Norde said they are a good side and the green and maroons have to put them under pressure.

"They are a very good team. We have to put them under pressure and show that we are here to win. We have to press them.

"It is not easy for us after losing 2-1. It will be difficult but we have a good squad."

IANS