Yesterday Mohun Bagan faced East Bengal in the last group-stage match of the Super Cup to battle out the semifinal spot. Both teams entered the clash with six points but East Bengal had the advantage of scoring more goals which made it a must-win match for Bagan.
Our Starting XI for today's Kalinga Super Cup match against East Bengal FC.
— Mohun Bagan FT (@MBFT89) January 19, 2024
Let's Go Mariners 🟢🔴⚽#JoyMohunBagan #KolkataDerby #MBFT pic.twitter.com/QobBHpBpbH
Mohun Bagan started the match with a clear intention of winning it. From the first whistle, it started to surge the "Red and Gold" defense. Mohun Bagan put East Bengal under pressure from a series of corners and the pressure finally paid off when Hector Yuste flicked Dimi's corner to hit the net. However, the Bagan defense failed to hold the lead for a long and the game squared just after four minutes. Mohun Bagan failed to clear a throw from East Bengal and allowed space for Cleiton to shoot from the edge of the box who found the net with a prolific strike. East Bengal after leveling set their foot strong into the match and started putting pressure on Bagan's defense. At the end of the first half, the referee blew the whistle and gave Mohun Bagan a penalty for handball in the box. Dimi converted with a low shot at the bottom left corner but the referee indicated a retake because of the encroachment done by Bagan players in the penalty box. The retaken shot hit the woodwork and the first half ended all square.
It's Half Time at the Kalinga.
— Mohun Bagan FT (@MBFT89) January 19, 2024
A big second half waiting. Let's go Mariners 🟢🔴⚽#JoyMohunBagan #KolkataDerby #MBFT pic.twitter.com/91ONv8icyl
In the second half, Mohun Bagan tried hard to crack East Bengal's defense with more men upfront. But the rivals not only stood strong against all attacks from Mohun Bagan but converted the chances they had. In the 62nd minute, Ravi Rana who came in for Raj Basfore lost a ball to onrushing Borja Herrera. Borja's shot hit the post and came Nandha's way who tapped it into the net. Things became worse for Mohun Bagan when Arsh failed to grab a header from Hijaji and the ball went to the feet of Cleiton who scored his brace by guiding the ball into the goal.
Defeat at the Kalinga#JoyMohunBagan #KolkataDerby #MBFT pic.twitter.com/emwsTbYCbk
— Mohun Bagan FT (@MBFT89) January 19, 2024
Despite scoring the first goal Mohun Bagan faced a disastrous defeat against East Bengal. Ravi Rana and Arsh who were playing their first Kolkata Derby gifted two goals to East Bengal that proved to be the difference maker. However, the expectations from the fans were not high as most of the first eleven players were out for national duties and injuries. It's now time for a restart as Head Coach Antonio Lopez Habas is all set to take charge of this team.
MBFT Players Rating:
Arsh 5
Raj 6
Hamill 5
Hector 6
Ashish 5
Abhishek 6
Glan 5
Hugo 5
Dimi 5
Kiyan 7
Sadiku 5
Jason 5
Suhail 5
Ravi Rana 4
Sumit 5
In the heat of the Kolkata Derby, emotions run high, and mistakes become part of the game. Tonight, two young Mohun Bagan players may have faltered, leading to East Bengal's success. It's crucial for the loyal Mohun Bagan fans to remember that these players are still learning and… pic.twitter.com/tiEBjmOWbg
— Mohun Bagan FT (@MBFT89) January 19, 2024
