Outstanding Sahal! Green and Maroon Triumph Over Chennaiyin with Aggressive Football
Sayak Banerjee | 8 Oct 2023
Mohun Bagan kicked off their tenth ISL campaign with a victory over Punjab at home. This was followed by a narrow win against Bengaluru, courtesy of a lone goal by Hugo Boumous. However, their latest challenge was a tough one against Chennaiyin FC, who are formidable on their home turf. Yet, Juan Ferrando’s boys made it look easy this time. Mohun Bagan triumphed 3-1 over Chennaiyin FC with goals from Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummins, and Manvir Singh. The Green and Maroon’s winning streak in this ISL continues unabated.
In a match that saw aggressive play from both sides, Mohun Bagan’s players made Chennaiyin FC look like amateurs. This victory marks their third consecutive win. Despite an evenly matched start, Ninithoi missed a clear chance in the 5th minute, sending the ball wide. Anwar Ali’s shot in the 9th minute narrowly missed the target. In the 22nd minute, Dimitri Petratos scored with a header off a Sahal Abdul Samad assist, putting Mohun Bagan ahead 1-0. Liston Colaco missed a chance to double the lead in the 25th minute.
In added time of the first half, Jason Cummins found the net after getting past Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Samik Mitra, ending the half at 2-0. Mohun Bagan created the most opportunities in the first half, and the scoreline could have been more lopsided if they had capitalized on them.
In the 54th minute of the second half, Chennaiyin pulled one back with a brilliant free-kick from Rafael Crivellaro. However, the joy was short-lived as Manvir Singh scored a minute later from another Sahal Abdul Samad assist, making it 3-1. Mohun Bagan continued to press forward even after taking the lead. In the 75th minute, Samik Mitra saved another shot from Manvir Singh. Samik played a crucial role again in the 86th minute, denying Anirudh Thapa a sure goal.
Despite Chennaiyin’s desperate attempts in added time, the green and maroon defense held firm. With this win, Mohun Bagan heads into the break with a hat-trick of victories.
Mohun Bagan Lineup: Vishal Kaith (goalkeeper), Anwar Ali, Brendan Hamill, Subhasish Bose, Manvir Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Hugo Boumous, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco, Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummins.