ISL 2024-25: Liston Colaco Fires Mohun Bagan Past Bengaluru FC
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a tightly contested match, Liston Colaco's goal in the 74th minute secured a 1-0 victory for Mohun Bagan Super Giant over Bengaluru FC, extending their lead in the ISL 2024-25 season. The match was characterized by a lack of clear chances until Colaco's stunning volley broke the deadlock.
Key Takeaways
- Liston Colaco scored the winning goal for Mohun Bagan.
- The match ended with a score of 1-0.
- Mohun Bagan extended their lead to seven points ahead of FC Goa.
- Bengaluru FC struggled to create scoring opportunities.
- The game featured a tense defensive battle.
Kolkata, Jan 27 (NationPress) Liston Colaco netted the decisive goal as defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant triumphed over Bengaluru FC with a score of 1-0 in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Monday night. The match was highly competitive, with both teams struggling to create significant chances. However, Colaco’s remarkable volley in the 74th minute secured all three points for the home side.
This victory allowed Mohun Bagan Super Giant to extend their lead to seven points (40) over FC Goa (33), who have played one game less (17) than the Mariners (18).
The game commenced at a slow pace, with both squads finding it difficult to maintain possession in midfield. Nevertheless, Bengaluru FC appeared more dynamic in their attacking efforts, utilizing quick passes to breach the Mariners’ defense.
The home side, on the other hand, adopted a direct approach, with forwards aiming to hold the ball upfront, enabling Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh to exploit the flanks. The first opportunity of the match came in the 28th minute when Alberto Noguera set up Ryan Williams with an exquisite pass from midfield. The Australian's shot was well within the reach of Vishal Kaith, who was prepared.
In the 35th minute, Greg Stewart created an excellent chance for the Mariners, but he handled the ball in the box before taking his shot. The Mariners enjoyed a period of dominance with several attacking attempts, but the visitors remained steadfast in defense, thwarting Mohun Bagan SG's advances.
Just before half-time, Sunil Chhetri had the best opportunity of the opening half as he combined with Noguera and maneuvered past three defenders in the penalty area. With only the goalkeeper to beat, the 40-year-old's shot hit the side netting. The second half saw Mohun Bagan SG pushing for a goal. Initially, Manvir delivered a dangerous cross aimed at Jamie Maclaren.
However, Rahul Bheke cleared the threat. The Mariners came close from a corner when a header from Deepak Tangri forced a save from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. In the 56th minute, Bengaluru FC had a prime opportunity when Nikhil Poojari found Edgar Mendez in the box with a superb cross. Mendez’s header was on target, but Kaith tipped it over the bar.
A minute later, Pedro Capo also had a chance, but his effort lacked the power to trouble Kaith. The Blues maintained a period of sustained pressure with players like Mendez, Williams, and Chhetri pushing into the penalty area, while Noguera orchestrated from midfield.
At the 74th minute, the home side finally broke the stalemate thanks to a stunning goal from Colaco from outside the box. The play began with Stewart delivering a cross that Bheke cleared, but Colaco was perfectly positioned to seize the loose ball and fire it into the top left corner, leaving Gurpreet off-guard.
In the 77th minute, Jose Molina made two substitutions, bringing on Jason Cummings and Ashique Kuruniyan for Stewart and Liston. Meanwhile, Gerard Zaragoza substituted Lalremtluanga Fanai for Suresh Wangjam in midfield.
Bengaluru FC pushed forward in search of an equalizer, with Bheke coming close in injury time when he connected with a corner from Williams, but his header sailed over the bar. The visitors did create a few threatening plays in the dying minutes, but the Mariners' defense held strong, securing their 12th victory of the season.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face Mohammedan SC on February 1, while Bengaluru FC will head to New Delhi to take on Punjab FC earlier that same afternoon.
