Abahani Limited suffered a 3-1 defeat against Mohun Bagan of Kolkata in the AFC Cup match at the Rabindra Sorobar Stadium in Kolkata yesterday (Tuesday). Despite having taken an early lead inside 20 minutes, Abahani failed to capitalise on the advantage and conceded three goals to suffer its successive second defeat in the competition, after they went down to Maziya Sporting of the Maldives in their home match.
The match between the two giants of neighbouring countries was equally fought and also had equal scoring chances, but the hosts bettered the visitors after being a goal down. Right from the kick-off, Mohun Bagan tried to grab the possession, but Abahani took only six minutes to organise themselves, and snatched the domination, putting the hosts under tremendous pressure and earning six corners within the first 11 minutes. However, they could not capitalise on the early opportunities. The Bangladesh champions finally broke the deadlock in the 21st minute with the assistance of Nabib Newaj Jibon. Jibon the youngster rushed down the right side inside the area and cut back the ball, and Jonathon Brown, who was left unmarked, finished with first touch on the running ball (1-0).
Mohun Bagan, trailing by one goal, bounced back strongly and created three consecutive chances when Abahani goalkeeper Shahidul Islam Sohel fumbled from Sony Norde’s efforts. Katsumi took the chance from the return ball, but it was blocked by defender Yasin and Balwant shot again which went over the bar.
Abahani went very close to taking a 2-0 lead, but were unfortunate, as Emeka Darlington failed to score having a one-on-one situation of the Bagan custodian after receiving the ball from a quick counter-attack.
Mohun Bagan went for the break after equalising, when Je Je Lalpekhula finished off Balwant and Sony Norde’s combined effort in the injury period of the first half (1-1).
After the 1-1 opening session, Mohun Bagan bounced back strongly and took the lead inside three minutes of the second half. The Japanese forward Katsumi dribbled past his marker and ran fast into the box and released the ball for Balwant, who did not miss to send the ball into the net over goalkeeper Sohel (2-1).
Bangladesh could have had the equaliser, but two successive efforts went in vain when Emeka Darlington was not in the right position to head a corner kick from Waly Faisal in the 65th minute, followed by Jonathon’s effort on a rebound of Jibon’s shot went over the bar in 68th.
Mohun Bagan increased the margin to seal the victory in the 87th minute through Sony Norde, once the hero of Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club. Sony, the Haitian playmaker, showed some of his skills when he dodged past two defenders inside the box and puzzled with a false shot in front of another marker before scoring the superb goal (3-1) that sealed the fate of Abahani.