Mohun Bagan Starts ACL-2 Campaign with Goalless Draw Against FC Ravshan

Sayak Banerjee / 18-09-2024

Mohun Bagan began their ACL-2 journey with a gritty 0-0 draw against Tajikistan’s FC Ravshan at Yuva Bharati on Wednesday. Despite missing key players like Jamie Maclaren and Alberto Rodriguez, the Mariners held their own in a hard-fought contest.

Coach Jose Molina fielded a balanced lineup with three foreigners and promising defender Dipendu Biswas. Ravshan dominated the early proceedings, testing goalkeeper Vishal Kaith multiple times. However, Kaith’s brilliance kept the visitors at bay.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan increase their attacking intensity, with statistics revealing 11 shots on goal from both teams. Despite creating several opportunities, the Mariners’ forwards, including Petratos, Liston Colaco, and Cummings, failed to convert. Petratos even had a goal disallowed in the dying moments, denying Mohun Bagan a dramatic victory.

The result leaves room for improvement, but Molina will take heart from the team’s resilience against a formidable opponent.