Mohun Bagan SG entered this match on the heels of a loss to Bashundhara Kings in their last game, while Odisha FC came in with back-to-back wins. Both teams from the Indian Super League (ISL) were determined to keep their qualification dreams alive, aiming to secure three vital points in this contest.
Odisha FC delivered a commanding performance as they dismantled the reigning ISL champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, with a resounding 5-2 victory in the high-scoring penultimate Group D clash of the AFC Cup on Monday. The Salt Lake Stadium witnessed a turnaround as seasoned player Hugo Boumous initially propelled Mohun Bagan into the lead with a 17th-minute strike.
However, Roy Krishna equalized in the 29th minute, and Diego Mauricio stunned the home crowd by securing Odisha FC’s lead with a goal in the 32nd minute. In a span of just three minutes, the visiting OFC side managed to score two more goals, leaving the legacy club’s fans disheartened on their own turf.
Adding to Mohun Bagan’s woes, Cy Goddard extended Odisha FC’s lead to 3-1 by scoring in the 41st minute, leaving the green-and-maroon jersey-clad fans at the Salt Lake Stadium in disbelief. In the second half, the hosts attempted a comeback, with Liston Colaco’s free-kick from 30 yards narrowly missing the target as it struck the top of the OFC crossbar. Despite their efforts, Mohun Bagan couldn’t bridge the gap, and the scoreline stood as a testament to Odisha FC’s dominance in a match that left the home supporters stunned.
In the 63rd minute, the momentum shifted as Mohun Bagan narrowed the gap, with substitute Kiyan Nassiri soaring above the opposition in the middle to head Boumous’ left-sided cross into the net. Kiyan’s precise header injected hope into the home team, fueling aspirations of a comeback. The stadium echoed with anticipation as Sahal Samad’s bouncing effort clipped the top of the bar shortly after, intensifying the pressure.
The atmosphere reached a crescendo as the home supporters sensed an equalizer. Despite relentless attacks, Kiyan’s jinking run through the Odisha defense presented another goal-scoring chance, but his powerful effort from inside the box hit the side netting with 15 minutes left to play.
Despite a late opportunity for the visitors in the final five minutes, with Gahlot off-target at the back post from Jahouh’s threatening free-kick, Mohun Bagan couldn’t level the score. Just when it seemed Odisha FC might settle for their one-goal lead, they delivered a final blow with two additional goals in injury time, completing Mohun Bagan’s humiliation.
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Aniket Jadhav’s left-footed shot in the 90+2 minute, assisted by Roy Krishna from a set-piece situation, found the mark. The relentless OFC onslaught continued, with Isak Vanlalruatfela’s right-footed shot from outside the box hitting the net after Carlos Delgado’s groundwork.
Following the goal-laden spectacle, Mohun Bagan Super Giant finds themselves in the third position on the points table, with Sergio Lobera’s team now positioned above MBSG. Odisha’s impressive victory brings them within a point of the table-topping Bashundhara Kings of Bangladesh, whom they are set to host on December 11 for Matchday Six.
The remarkable win served as sweet revenge for Odisha, who had suffered a 0-4 defeat to Mohun Bagan in their first-leg encounter at Bhubaneswar back in September. Mohun Bagan, caught off guard in the first half by occasional counter-attacks, faced a dismantling in the game’s final stages, conceding twice in added time. Adding to Bagan’s challenges, they were without four key players from their first-team squad, all ruled out due to injuries.
Up next, Odisha is set to welcome Bashundhara, with a crucial victory required to secure their passage to the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan is scheduled for a journey to the Maldives to face Maziya Sports & Recreation in their upcoming fixture.
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