Bengaluru FC blank Mohun Bagan
KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan suffered a 0-2 loss to leaders Bengaluru FC in the 24th round of the I-League at Salt Lake Stadium here on Sunday. Thoi Singh put the visitors in front just before the interval while Sean Rooney doubled their lead in the second half. The result restores Bengaluru’s fourpoint lead (currently on 41 points from 22 matches) at the top while Mohun Bagan remain in danger of relegation with 24 points from 22 outings.
Both teams’ defence were on top in the early stages as neither side could create a clear cut goal-scoring opportunity. Mohun Bagan enjoyed a lot of possession but their final ball lacked quality and they never really tested Bengaluru FC custodian Pawan Kumar. Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, also lacked penetration from open play and only looked dangerous from crosses with Mohun Bagan keeper Shilton Paul having to leave charge and punch out the ball twice.
The best opening of the half was created by John Menyongar as the Liberian went past his marker and played a low cross into the box but Robin Singh’s shot missed the target. As the half progressed, both teams struggled physically due to the hot and humid conditions.
But Bengaluru FC broke the deadlock at the stroke of halftime almost out of nothing. A needless back-header by Denson Devadas sent Rooney behind the Mohun Bagan backline and the Australian’s cross from the right flank was headed into the back of the net by Thoi Singh. It led to Paul being replaced by Sandip Nandy at the start of the secondhalf, a decision which coach Karim Bencherifa later said was taken in the interest of the team.
Mohun Bagan looked to make a fast start in the second period but Bengaluru defended solidly while Mohun Bagan’s Christopher Chizoba was also booked for simulation. The home side’s first real effort of the match was a shot from Katsumi Yusa that missed the target near the hour-mark.
Bengaluru FC didn’t really get going in the second half but doubled their advantage at the hour mark after Nandy muddled up a goal kick. Trying to restart the game quickly, Nandy kicked the ball straight to Rooney who made no mistake with a precise volley that beat him at the near post.
Much like the first half Mohun Bagan never really looked like scoring and Bengaluru FC could have increased their lead when Thoi’s cross found Robin unmarked inside the six-yard box but the India international put his header over the bar.
Mohun Bagan went close through a Bikramjit Singh longranger but could have conceded again when a fast Bengaluru FC counter attack saw Sunil Chhetri pick out Robin but the former TFA cadet’s effort was parried by Nandy.
SUNDAY’S RESULTS
IN KOLKATA: Bengaluru FC 2 (Thoi Singh 45+1, Sean Rooney 60) bt Mohun Bagan 0
IN GOA: Churchill Brothers 1 (Anthony Wolfe 72) drew Sporting Clube de Goa 1 (Boima Karpeh 80)