How Did 10-man Mohun Bagan Triumph Over Mohammedan Sporting in the 134th Durand Cup?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling start to the 134th Durand Cup, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, despite being reduced to 10 men, secured a decisive 3-1 victory against their rivals, Mohammedan Sporting. Key moments included Liston Colaco's impressive performance, which included scoring a penalty and providing an assist, solidifying Bagan's dominance in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Mohun Bagan's resilience shone through despite being a player down.
- Liston Colaco's performance was pivotal for Bagan's success.
- Mohammedan Sporting's missed opportunities cost them the match.
- Bagan's tactical adaptability was on full display.
- The rivalry between Bagan and Mohammedan continues to deliver excitement.
Kolkata, July 31 (NationPress) In a thrilling encounter, a 10-man Mohun Bagan Super Giant achieved a convincing 3-1 victory against their fierce rivals Mohammedan Sporting, marking a strong start to their journey in the 134th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) Stadium on Thursday.
This Group B match began with Bagan’s Liston Colaco scoring the opening goal in the 23rd minute, but Ashley Alban Koli equalized for Mohammedan in the 50th minute. However, Suhail Bhat netted the decisive goal with an assist from Liston in the 63rd minute, securing all three points for the Green and Maroons. This defeat marked Mohammedan's second consecutive loss, diminishing their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
Mohammedan's manager, Mehraj Wadoo, retained the same lineup that had previously shown commendable spirit against Diamond Harbour, while Bastab Roy of Mohun Bagan, despite missing his foreign players, fielded a strong team featuring Indian internationals such as Vishal Kaith in goal and Anirudh Thapa and Liston.
The first notable chance of the match fell to Mohammedan when Ashley, in the 10th minute, attempted an audacious shot from his own half that struck the crossbar. In the immediate response, Thapa’s left-wing cross found Suhail, but his effort hit the post, denying him a goal.
Bagan broke the deadlock from a free kick just outside the Mohammedan box, with Liston executing a perfect shot over the wall, leaving Subhajit stranded.
As Bagan pressed for a second goal, both Kiyan Nassiri and Thapa missed opportunities to extend the lead. The first half concluded with Apuia receiving a red card for a headbutt on Tangva Ragui, while Dippendu Biswas was also cautioned, leaving Bagan holding onto their narrow lead.
Upon resuming, Mohammedan appeared rejuvenated and equalized through Lalthankima’s powerful shot, which was poorly handled by Kaith, allowing Ashley to score.
Mohammedan nearly took the lead soon after, but Kaith's timely intervention kept the scores level. Bagan regained their advantage when Liston skillfully maneuvered the ball before assisting Suhail, who capitalized on a rebound to score.
The third goal for Bagan came in the dying moments of injury time when Liston was fouled inside the box by skipper Dinesh Meitei. He stepped up to confidently convert the penalty, sealing the victory.
Point of View
This match showcased the resilience and tactical prowess of Mohun Bagan, even when reduced to ten men. Their ability to adapt and secure a win against a rival like Mohammedan Sporting speaks volumes about their potential in this tournament. The narrative reflects the ongoing rivalry in Indian football, promising an exciting season ahead.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
The final score was Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3, Mohammedan Sporting 1.
Who was the standout player of the match?
Liston Colaco was the standout player, contributing significantly with a goal and an assist.
When and where was the match played?
The match took place on July 31 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) Stadium in Kolkata.
What impact does this match have on Mohammedan Sporting?
This loss marks Mohammedan's second defeat, complicating their chances of advancing in the tournament.
What was the key moment of the match?
The key moment was when Liston Colaco scored a penalty in injury time, sealing the victory for Bagan.
