Kolkata : Mohun Bagan SG defeated Chennaiyin FC 1-0 at Kolkata in their first home game of ISL 2026-27. One of the striking factors of this game was low attendance turnout in the Salt Lake Stadium.
The Durga Puja just ended in Kolkata few days ago, there’s a post festive hangover in the city. Moreover, there was Monday, a prime working day after a long holiday. These factors were 2 of many that contributed to low attendance turnout. Prior to this, Brazil and Uruguay games recorded 51402 and 37307 respectively earlier this month, but this game saw as low as 18432 attendance, one of the lowest for a Mohun Bagan game in post covid times in an ISL game at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan. Apart from 1-2 stands with accumulated Mohun Bagan fans, rest of the stadium had empty seats, but the passion, shouting, support for their favorite team was still there.
Mohun Bagan star Subhasish Bose stated that due post Durga Puja week and Monday the fans turnout was low but expects fans to come yet again from next game against Punjab FC to support the Mariners and encourage them.
“Supporter should come on ground to encourage us, we can play better Football. Since Durga Puja passed, & its monday there was less audience turnover, next match they’ll come & support us like before & I urge them to come & cheer us then we’ll be able to win games like old days & celebrate together”, Bose stated.
Bagan struggled for most of the match but ultimately scored the goal with help of Manvir Singh’s lead in 85th minute. Bagan missed goals on various occasions, Bose said that these are part of the game, ultimate goal was to get 3 points and Bagan players need to get together and improve.
“Happy for much needed 3 points in 1st home match, much room for improvement for the team. We have our squad depth with full strength of players, I need to practise more football
“Missed Goal chance – part of the game, should’ve converted ours, pressure could’ve eased, at the end no matter how much goals, 3 points are imp & we scored ultimately, but we need to improve together”, Bose added.
Bose came late in 2nd half and stopped Chennaiyin force defending them, where for most of the game they created pressure on Bagan defense. The senior Footballer stated that he aims to give best whenever he steps into the field, as fans have expectations from Mohun Bagan players.
“Whenever I will step into the field, I’ll give my best & in this match I did it too, helping my team to win, that’s my character. Whatever I learnt these days is that, if you play in Mohun Bagan, you’re sure to give your best fight as best players play here, fans give encouragement, everyone has much more expectations as we won trophy together & would love to win more, hence I hope we perform better.”
Mohun Bagan will next face Punjab FC on Saturday in 2nd consecutive home game. Since the game is on Saturday, more fans are expected to come surpassing yesterday’s concerning numbers since it’s a holiday for many, and prove once again why Kolkata is a Football hub.
