Treble dreams are on for Mohun Bagan as they Qualify for 2nd consecutive ISL final | Mohun Bagan vs Odisha FC Semi-Final Match Review

bySayan Ghosh -


Mohun Bagan qualify for their 3rd ever and 2nd consecutive ISL final in 4 years after defeating Odisha FC at home. Goals from striker Jason Cummings (22’) and midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad (90+3’) ensured a 2-0 win over the away team, and set up a mouth-watering final clash against the winners of semi-final 2 in front the home crowd at VYBK in Kolkata.

The treble dreams continues for Mohun Bagan as they qualify for the 2nd consecutive ISL final after beating a resilient Odisha FC in front of 62,007 supporters in Kolkata on Sunday. With this win, Mariners become the 2nd ever side to qualify for back to back ISL finals after Bengaluru FC. 

Mariners, who came into this match after being defeated 2-1 in the first leg as the clear cut favourites with huge backing from the home crowd. 61,777 people have gathered at VYBK, when Mohun Bagan beat Mumbai to lift the ISL shield, but on Sunday 62,007 people have come out in support of their team and have supported the team right from the beginning which have resulted in win of the home team.

Mohun Bagan head coach, Antonio Lopez Habas fielded a similar starting 11 from the leg 1 of semi-final with two changes. Jason Cummings replaced suspended Armando Sadiku upfront and Deepak Tangri replaced Abhishek Suryavanshi to bring in more defensive solidity and experience at the middle of the park.

Mohun Bagan, who were trailing by 1 goal from the first leg, took the match by storm right from the get go and were rewarded instantly as Ahmed Jahouh, who is considered one of the best midfielders in the entire league, made a mistake as early as in the 2nd minute that landed up in the feet of Thapa, whose shot was blocked subsequently. 

The Odisha players were under pressure from the beginning because of the noise of the 60k+ crowd. Mohun Bagan started to show their class right from the beginning. Manvir and Liston were tormenting their respective flanks from the get go. 

Though Mohun Bagan piled on the pressure on Odisha defense, their eventual reward came in the 22nd minute of the match, when Amrinder Singh made a loose save from a Dimi Petratos shot which put the ball right at the feet of Jason Cummings, who was lurking in the box. Cummings made no mistake to put mariners in the lead from 3 yards out. Mohun Bagan lead 1-0. Parity in aggregate score was restored as it read 2-2. 

Odisha FC also put up their own attacks through a former mariner , Roy Krishna, who was troubling Mohun Bagan defense through the left hand side. But Mariner`s defense comprised of Anwar Ali, Hector Yuste, Subhasish Bose and Vishal Kaith in goal had all the answers to the Odisha attacks. The first half ended 1-0.

The 2nd half started as Mohun Bagan made an early substitution and brought in Abhishek Suryavanshi in place of Deepak Tangri to increase ball retention in midfield. After seeing an inexperienced lad in the middle of the park, Odisha started to put pressure on Mariners' defense through the middle channel, but it bore no fruit.

After the 70th minute mark, Odisha tried to slow down the game to take it to the extra time. On the other side, Habas made three important changes, bringing in Sahal Abdul Samad in place of Anirudh Thapa, Kiyan Nassiri in place of Liston Colaco while repositioning Manvir Singh to the left wing and finally Dippendu Biswas in place of experienced Anwar Ali who had sustained a minor niggle. 

These changes made a change in complexion of the game. Kiyan, using his pace tormented the right wing and was almost rewarded when a rebound came at his feet in the 90th minute, only for him to hit the side-netting. When it was likely that the match is surely going into the extra time, Sahal brewed his magic. 

In the additional minutes of the 2nd half, Manvir Singh made an amazing run down the right wing, running past 2 defenders and putting the ball in a excellent position, only for sahal to tap in from 2 yards out. Sahal's attempt, though was saved by Amrinder, rebounded in goal after hitting Sahal in the face. 

Sahal, who was injured against this very team, an injury costed him from participating in AFC Asian Cup, made a comeback against this very team and to also score the match winner to take his team to the final of ISL. The match ended 2-0, the aggregate score read 3-2 and Mohun Bagan was through to the finals for 3rd time in 4 years.

With this dramatic injury time win, Mohun Bagan are on the verge of completing the ISL double and completing the domestic Treble. If they go all the way to win the ISL Cup , they will become the second ever side to win both the ISL Shield and ISL Cup in the same season and also the first ever side to retain the ISL cup after having won it the previous season.

PLAYER RATINGS :-

VISHAL KAITH :- 7/10

Was superb in front of the goal; made some important saves and distributed the ball well, Deservingly got his 9th clean sheet of the season to made the tie in the Golden Glove race along with Amrinder Singh of Odisha FC.

ANWAR ALI :- 7/10

The most prominent ball playing defender of the team; stopped all attacks through his sides effectively. Progressed the ball well, and made some timely interceptions to keep Odisha attackers at bay.

HECTOR YUSTE :- 7.5/10

A total leader of defense ,  maintained composure in defense by leading from the front , also made a few attempts on goal which were saved.

SUBHASISH BOSE :- 6/10

The Mariners captain was keeping things tight at the back , but was however outplayed many times by Roy Krishna; needs to cover up his mistakes before the final.

LISTON COLACO :- 7/10

Was a menace down the left wing, making his every move count. The first goal came as a result of an attack from his side; had a brilliant game. He was substituted for Kiyan Nassiri.

MANVIR SINGH :- 8/10

Was an absolute storm, wherever he played; delivered the match winning assist for Sahal's goal with a brilliant run.

JONI KAUKO :- 7.5/10

Controlled the midfield well, retaining possession, recovering balls and maintain stability or giving that extra creative edge, he has done it all. A good game from a seasoned player.

ANIRUDH THAPA :- 8/10

He is thriving in his new more advanced role. Pressing players bigger than him and also winning key duels or taking shots or creating chances , he perfected it all.

DEEPAK TANGRI :- 6/10

Was brought in to give defensive solidity to the midfield, was partially successful in doing that; was substituted at the beginning of the 2nd half.

JASON CUMMINGS :- 8/10

Made a perfect poacher's finish to give the lead and take his season tally to 11. Had a good game overall.

DIMITRIOS PETRATOS :- 7.5/10

The Mariners' heart throb was much quiet today but made his presence felt at times. The first goal came as a result of rebound of his shot.

 

SUBSTITUTE PLAYER RATINGS :-


 BRENDAN HAMILL :- 6/10

Was introduced late in the game after taking the lead to protect the defense, did his job pretty well.

ABHISEK SURYAVANSHI :- 7/10

Showed his class once again, made some vital recoveries and tackles to keep his side in the game. Good performance from the young lad.

SAHAL ABDUL SAMAD :- 8/10

Returned from injury, and scored the match winner. What more a player can ask for? A good overall game to take mariners to the ISL final.

KIYAN NASSIRI :- 6.5/10

Tormented defenders using his pace down the right wing but needs to polish up his shooting boots before the final.

DIPPENDU BISWAS :- 6/10

Was brought in place of Anwar Ali to add a more defensive edge to the backline, did his tasks to perfection.

All the roads again led to VYBK for the final time this season . We at MBFT , wish Mohun Bagan players all the best to win the ISL cup again this season.

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