Mohun Bagan finally broke their curse by defeating the Islanders for the first time
In a historic turn of events, the Mohun Bagan Super Giant football club shattered a long-standing curse by defeating the Islanders for the first time in their riveting encounter. In a captivating display of skill and determination, Mohun Bagan secured their spot in the Durand Cup semi-finals by defeating Mumbai City FC with a resounding score of 3-1. The match, which had fans on the edge of their seats, showcased the prowess of the Mariners as they orchestrated a well-deserved victory. The win sets the stage for a thrilling semi-final showdown against FC Goa.
The victory not only delighted the fans but also signaled a potential shift in fortunes for Mohun Bagan. For years, facing the Islanders had been a formidable challenge for the Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The team had been plagued by a curse that seemed to defy their every effort to secure a victory. The Islanders, known for their strong gameplay and consistent performances, had held a psychological edge over their opponents. However, the tables turned dramatically in this recent face-off.
With the weight of history on their shoulders, the Mohun Bagan stepped on with determination and a strategic approach. From the opening whistle, it was evident that the team was ready to break free from the curse that had haunted them for so long. The game kicked off with intense exchanges and strategic gameplay from both sides, with neither team willing to cede ground. The players exhibited exceptional coordination, ball control, and tactical prowess, demonstrating their relentless pursuit of victory.
Mohan Bagan received an early penalty kick in the seventh minute with Lachenpa coming out and fouling Jason Cummings. It was a perfect through by Ashique Kuruniyan as Cummings went past the keeper who pulled him down. Consequently, the Aussie striker made no mistake as he scored a perfect penalty from the spot. Mohun Bagan went 1-0 up in the 9th minute of the crucial clash.
Additionally, just minutes after the goal, Ashique Kuruniyan almost provided another clear opportunity from the left. Nonetheless was tactically fouled by Bheke. Thus, referee Venkatesh wasted no time to bring his yellow card for the Mumbai defender. Despite the early lead by the Mariners, Mumbai City kept their dominance in the game by their quick passing. They were looking good with the ball and slowly started troubling the Bagan defense through the left wing.
Consequently, Mumbai made a comeback with a brilliant follow-up goal in the 28th minute. Argentine forward Pereyra Diaz positioned his body to guide the ball past Vishal Kaith, who was completely defeated. Thus this happened as a matter of fact, after the Scottish attacker Greg Stewart and the Spanish midfielder engaged in a one-two inside the Mohun Bagan box to create the chance. Hence, Mohun Bagan kept on their attacking prowess with Ashique delivering a few great crosses towards Jason Cummings and Armando Sadiku.
Mumbai City was dumbstruck after the equalizer as Mohun Bagan re-established its supremacy through Manvir Singh getting his header right from a perfect cross of Hugo Boumous in the 30th minute. Hence this was a fantastic response by Mohun Bagan as Hugo got at the end of a defensive clearance by Subasish Bose following a corner who moved deep in the Mumbai City box to float the ball right on the goalmouth where Manvir outjumped his marker to send his shrill header past Lachenpa.
As the match resumed for the second half, Mumbai City FC demonstrated their resilience by pressuring the Mohun Bagan defense. However, the Mariners’ backline remained steadfast, repelling the attempts and ensuring a solid defensive foundation. The Mariners were back with more passion after the break and found another occasion in the 58th minute when Ashique sprinted up from the left flank to set up Armando Sadiku who was unmarked inside the Mumbai City box. Although the Albanian forward messed up his effort with a wayward kick.
Mohun Bagan continued to press to augment its lead just to take the match beyond the reach of its opponent. The fans’ excitement reached its zenith when Mohun Bagan extended their lead with a clinical finish, making it 3:1. This was when defender Anwar Ali nodded home another assist from Ashique’s cross from the right in the 63rd minute. The tense moments that followed showcased the determination of both teams as they fought tooth and nail to gain control.
Mumbai City FC kept believing to make a comeback in the match in the dying minutes as Vikram Pratap Singh tried to find some space on the right. Although his shot was not on target since Vishal kept his second post covered. Mumbai kept on pushing but the Mariners were resolute to qualify for the semis in front of their crazy fans.
With this remarkable victory, Mohun Bagan secured their place in the Durand Cup semi-finals. The upcoming clash against FC Goa promises to be a riveting encounter as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the finals.
As the fans revel, anticipation builds for the semi-final clash between Mohun Bagan and FC Goa. We expect the match to deliver another thrilling chapter in the ongoing Durand Cup saga. Since both teams not leaving any stone unturned in their quest for glory.
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