Kolkata : Mohun Bagan Super Giants defeated Mohammedan SC 3-1 at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Kriangan, Kolkata in Durand Cup Group B clash.
In first half, Suhail Bhatt had early chance to score first goal after cross from Anirudh Thapa in 10th minute but the youngster failed to convert it after his shot stuck against crossbar.
Mohun Bagan got first opportunity after earning a free kick when Colaco was tackled dangerously near the penalty box. Colaco capitalized this opportunity well in 25th minute, converting the free kick outstandingly from out of the box curling it to right top corner, giving no chance to Mohammedan goalkeeper Subhojit.
Thapa nearly doubled the lead before half-time after Colaco floated in a lofted ball. He met it on the volley inside the box but it flew narrowly over the target.
A moment of heated quarrel began as Apuia saw the midfielder head-butt Tanga Ragui following a rough challenge, prompting the referee to show him a straight red card.
In 2nd half, Mohammedan Sporting capitalised on the numerical advantage almost immediately after the restart. A powerful long-range effort from Lalthankima was parried away by Vishal Kaith, but Ashley Kohli reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and bring the game level.
However, roughly after 13 minutes, it was Colaco and Suhail Bhatt who rose to occasion yet again. Colaco dribbled into the opposition box and backheel passed to Suhail, who was unmarked by defenders. Though the initial shot was saved, Suhail followed up to bury the rebound and restore Mohun Bagan’s lead.
Despite Mohammedan desperately trying hard to deliver equalizer, but skipper Dinesh Meitei brought down Colaco inside penalty box. Colaco easily converted the penalty and Mohun Bagan clinched the match 3-1 to start Durand Cup 2025 campaign.
Brief Scorecard :
Mohun Bagan : 3
Liston Colaco – 25′, 90+5′ (P)
Suhail Bhatt 63′
Mohammedan SC : 1
Ashley Kohli – 50′.
