Mohun Bagan get off the mark in AFC Cup
COMEBACK WIN Jeje scores in Kolkata giants’ 31 win over Abahani
Mohun Bagan came from behind to beat Abahani Dhaka 3-1 and notch up their first points of the 2017 AFC Cup. Goals from Jeje Lalpekhlua and Balwant Singh, that came two minutes off each other on either side of half-time, was buttressed by a solo effort from Sony Norde after Jonathan Brown had put the visitors ahead.
After two Group E games, Mohun Bagan have three points, the same as Maziya of Maldives. Leaders Bengaluru FC have six after beating Maziya 1-0 away on Tuesday. Abahani have none from two games. One team will qualify from the group.
Bagan rested four players from the team that knocked the ball around with confidence against Bengaluru FC in the I-League on Saturday, asking questions the champions couldn’t answer. And from pretty, Bagan looked pedestrian. But they kept trying and in the first minute of first-half stoppage time, Balwant found Norde who set up Jeje to fire a left-foot volley and make it 1-1.
From close, Balwant then produced a 48th minute cannon-ball to a lay-up from Katsumi Yusa. It was exactly the start Mohun Bagan needed to the second half and they held on despite a couple of close shaves.
Norde’s flourish in the 87th minute, beating three players inside the box to score, not only ensured Bengaluru FC feel the heat but also capped off a strong second half show that was proof more of Mohun Bagan’s desire to win than their strength in depth.
Bagan played Sarthak Dolui in place of India right-back Pritam Kotal. Left-back Subhasish Bose was also rested as was striker Darryl Duffy, central defender Anas Edathodika and midfielder Souvik Chakraborty.
Mohun Bagan play eight matches in a little over three weeks hence rotating players is understandable, more so when there is an I-League match against East Bengal on Sunday, but it led to a serious dip in performance in the first half.