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| Courtesy: AFC Cup Media |
Our Starting XI to face Bashundhara Kings in the AFC Cup 23/24 Group Stage Match.#JoyMohunBagan #AFCCup pic.twitter.com/rKITn4G0eA
— Mohun Bagan FT (@MBFT89) October 24, 2023
Mohun Bagan started the match with our usual formation of 3-5-2. From the very beginning, the mariners started putting pressure on Bashundhara. Dimi Petratos from the right wing floated a ball in for Liston who made a perfect run on the far post and beat the keeper with the first touch. Despite being clearly onside the goal was flagged offside and Liston was denied from a legit goal. Mohun Bagan didn't take much time though and took the lead just eight minutes after that incident. The dangerous trio of Hugo-Jason-Dimi combined well and Hugo found Jason inside the box who turned quickly to pick up Dimi inside the box for an easy finish. Mohun Bagan was seeking to establish dominance in the game after that crucial lead but all of a sudden from a counter the Brazilian striker Dorielton equalised for Basundhara. This time Robson carried the ball well and used acres of space given by Bagan players to put a fine through ball to Dorielton. Dorielton dribbled Yuste and found the back of the net beating Vishal Kaith with a cool-headed finish. The rest of the first half was end-to-end with both teams not being able to add any further goals.
It's Half Time at the Kalinga Stadium. A long Second Half awaits. Joy Mohun Bagan. pic.twitter.com/H49NUkhKpW
— Mohun Bagan FT (@MBFT89) October 24, 2023
In the second half, Mohun Bagan regained their lead when a well-measured pass from Dimi was finished by Asish Rai. After conceding the second goal Bashundhara looked threatening and built up attack after attack from the left flank with the help of their Brazilian Talisman Robson. In the 69th minute, Robson tried to dribble past Asish and was brought down in the box. The referee whistled for a penalty for Bashundhara. Robson made no mistake to equalize from the spot. Since then the match has been cagey with not so many clear-cut opportunities and ended in all square.
Not the usual JuanBall we see very often nowadays. Definitely a bad day at the office. We will be back soon. Joy Mohun Bagan.
— Mohun Bagan FT (@MBFT89) October 24, 2023
And Yes, Get Well Soon Anwar Ali 💎 #JoyMohunBagan #AFCCup #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/9SjcTaSTRC
With this draw, Mohun Bagan ended a seven-match winning streak. Although this draw will keep Mohun Bagan at the top of the group, the fans will certainly not be pleased by the performance of Bagan. The back three of Hamil-Yuste-Anwar looked a bit shaky today. Glan is far away from his best and most importantly the coach Juan Ferrando looked clueless in the match with no significant plan 'B'. Subhasish Bose, Anirudh Thapa, and Armando Sadiku all came in from the bench but failed to make any significant impact. In the dying minutes of the game, Anwar Ali got injured in a tussle with Miguel, and the injury looked serious. We wish him a very fast recovery as he's one of the most crucial members in this side.
Mohun Bagan will go up against the same opponent on 7th November at the Bashundhara Kings Arena. A victory in that match will be much needed to firm grip on the top of the group.
MBFT RATINGS :
Vishal Kaith: 6/10
Anwar Ali: 6/10
Brendan Hamill: 6/10
Hector Yuste: 6/10
Ashish Rai: 6/10
Glan Martins: 6/10
Sahal Abdul Samad: 6/10
Hugo Boumous: 7/10
Liston Colaco: 6/10
Dimitri Petratos: 7/10
Jason Cummings: 6/10
Armando Sadiku: 6/10
Subhasish Bose: 6/10
Hnamte: 6/10
Anirudh Thapa: 6/10