Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Al-Amna is all set to join I-League defending champions Minerva Punjab FC for the remaining part of the season.
Quess East Bengal had released the midfielder earlier this season after injury concerns and he is all set to make his comeback in the I-League. The experienced midfielder was a part of the title-winning Aizawl FC a couple of seasons ago under Khalid Jamil and joined up with the gaffer in Kolkata as well.
Al-Amna was influential in the Aizawl FC midfield with his play making ability in the centre feeding balls to the attackers and had a strong physical presence in the middle of the park.
Minerva Punjab won the title last year but have struggled to mount a challenge this year for the title. They currently lie on the seventh spot in the I-League table with 13 points from 12 matches played.
Al-Amna provides them a good option to spruce up their midfield in the second half of the season to improve their position. He will add experience to their squad ahead of the AFC Champions League preliminary round matches. Minerva Punjab FC will play Iranian club Saipa FC on 12th February 2019.
Minerva Punjab FC owner Ranjit Bajaj tweeted yesterday announcing the signing of Amna to everyone.
In AFC related news, Stop the presses, Stay Calm @minervapunjabfc have just signed Mahmoud Al Amna #chakdephatte #HeroILeague #SaveILeagueSaveIndianFootball
— Ranjit Bajaj (@THE_RanjitBajaj) January 13, 2019
Mahmoud Al-Amna was reportedly pursued by Kolkata club Mohammedan Sporting for the 2nd Division I-League but the talks fell through.
Minerva Punjab FC will don the Warriors’ kit for the remaining I-League season and AFC Champions League encounters; as the Punjab side hope to mount a challenge and improve their standing in the league.
