Jersey Swap and Denied Goal: Key Moments in Kings vs. MBSG AFC Cup Clash
Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bashundhara Kings engaged in an exciting 2-2 draw during the third matchday of the 2023-24 AFC Cup, which took place on October 24. While MBSG managed to take the lead on two separate occasions, the resilient Bashundhara Kings staged comebacks each time, ultimately securing a valuable point.
The Mariners entered this match with an impressive winning streak of ten consecutive games. In contrast, Bashundhara Kings had a mixed start to their AFC Cup campaign, recording one win and one loss.
As anticipated, MBSG initiated the game with an aggressive approach. However, the early stages unfolded cautiously, with the Kings effectively thwarting their advances into the final third. After a quiet opening 15 minutes, the home team found their rhythm and scored in the 29th minute.
A superb assist from Hugo Boumous reached Jason Cummings in a promising position. Cummings then set up his strike partner, Dimitri Petratos, who found the back of the net.
However, Mohun Bagan’s momentum was short-lived as Bashundhara quickly countered, leveling the score just four minutes after taking the lead.
Robinho exploited space in midfield and delivered a precise pass to Dori, who got the better of Brendan Hamill and slotted the ball past the helpless Vishal Kaith. This goal injected confidence into the Bangladeshi champions, who began to pose a real threat.
In the 35th minute, Robinho came tantalizingly close to scoring, with his powerful long-range strike hitting the post and rebounding out of play. As the half drew to a close, both teams created opportunities, with Miguel Ferreira and Asish Rai coming close to altering the scoreline.
When the halftime whistle sounded, the game was deadlocked, despite both sides having clear-cut chances to seize the lead.
Second Half
Bashundhara Kings continued their aggressive approach in the second half, consistently targeting Mohun Bagan on the counter. They struck the post once more, with Dori narrowly missing his mark.
The Mariners capitalized on this missed opportunity and reclaimed the lead in the 54th minute. Miguel Ferreira lost possession in midfield, and when Mohun Bagan regained control, Petratos set up Asish Rai, who slammed the ball into the back of the net.
Nonetheless, this setback did not deter Bashundhara Kings, who remained determined and competitive. Their persistence paid off as they notched their second equalizer with 20 minutes of regulation time left.
Robinho, a constant thorn in Asish Rai’s side, skillfully maneuvered past the right-back but appeared to be fouled inside the penalty box. The referee pointed to the spot, and Robinho himself confidently converted the penalty, leveling the score once again.
The final quarter of the game lacked the quality seen earlier, with both teams seemingly content with sharing the points. As it stands, MBSG maintains their lead in the group with seven points, while Bashundhara Kings hold the second position with four points to their credit.
