Mohun Bagan Begins ISL Campaign with Disappointing 2-2 Draw Against Mumbai City FC

Sayak Banerjee / 14-09-2024

The pain of last season’s ISL final loss to Mumbai City FC still lingers, and Mohun Bagan had the perfect chance to exact revenge. Playing at home in Yuva Bharati, they looked poised for victory after taking a 2-0 lead in the first half. But defensive lapses in the second half saw the Mariners concede twice, ending the match in a 2-2 draw.

Coach Jose Molina deployed a 3-5-2 formation, with Petratos and Cummings spearheading the attack. The strategy seemed to work as Liston Colaco’s ninth-minute strike, deflecting off defender Tiri, opened the scoring. Alberto Rodriguez doubled the lead in the 28th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Greg Stewart.

However, Mumbai’s relentless attacks exposed Mohun Bagan’s defensive vulnerabilities. Tiri pulled one back in the 70th minute following a mix-up between Alberto and Subhasish Bose. In the dying moments, Krouma scored the equalizer with a well-placed shot, leaving goalkeeper Vishal Kaith helpless.
Molina faces tough questions about fitness levels and tactical cohesion, as the Mariners look to bounce back in their next match.