Kolkata: In front of adoring home supporters, Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) defeated the Bangladesh Army Football Team 4-0 in the first match of the 132nd Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK). Liston Colaco (14′), Manvir Singh (30′), Suhail Ahmad Bhat (39′), and Hnamte (58′) all scored to put the home team on top of Group A. The pain of the visitors was heightened when they were forced to play the whole second half with 10 men after Minhajur Abedin was given marching orders at half-time.
The game was started by a colourful and exciting opening ceremony featuring the Hon. Chief Minister of West Bengal, Smt. Mamata Banerjee, as the Chief Guest. It was the ideal prelude to the action that was about to unfold on the football ground.
A proper 5-star performance! We move! 🔥💪#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/8tfbqUCsOJ
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) August 3, 2023
When Hnamte followed a cross-in from Manvir on the left wing, it was MBSG who broke through first. In the Bangladesh goal, Ashraful intercepted the ball just in time. Manvir then broke through from a well-placed free-kick to fire on the turn, but Ashraful was up to the task once more.
Mohun Bagan finally broke through a minute before the quarter-hour mark, when Taison Singh found the overlapping run of Ravi Rana to perfection after a fantastic play from the right this time. He hit the cross perfectly, and Liston only faltered once for a simple tap.
SIUUU ft. Hnamte x Suhail 🔥#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/64MVEX1F97
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) August 3, 2023
In the 20th minute, Sharair Emon got on the end of a well-worked play for the Bangladesh Army, but his effort nestled safely in goaltender Anwer Shaikh’s arms.
Then, at the half-hour mark, Manvir scored from the penalty spot after Mijhajur took down Hnamte in the box. Suhail Ahmad Bhat tripled it when Liston drove and turned the Bangladesh defence, setting up the Kashmiri youth for a slick finish.
Three goalscorers in the first 45, let’s keep going team! 💪#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/b4b4OTdsEh
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) August 3, 2023
Minajur’s second bookable infraction and Bagan were cruising at halftime, despite the visitor’s displeasure.
In the 58th minute, another set-piece from Liston found Manvir on the near post, and his superb back-heel was redirected by an unmarked Hnamte standing inches away from goal. Kiyan made it five when he grabbed a rebound from Liston’s punch from the top of the box, which Ashraful parried away.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant– 5 (Liston Colaco 14’, Manvir 30’ Suhail 40’ Hnamte 57’ Kiyan Nasiri 89”)
Bangladesh Army Football Team- 0
