Mohammedan Sporting Club started their campaign in the 2016/17 Second Division League with a 0-2 defeat to Southern Samity at Barasat Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday.

Ashim Biswas (31st) and Ajay Singh (71st) scored once in each session against their former employer to secure full three points for Southern Samity.

Going into the game Mohammedan SC coach Ranjan Chowdhury started with young Sankar Roy in goal. Skipper Rana Gharami partnered Lancine Toure in central defense with Nitesh Chhikara and Pranit Lama as sidebacks. Experienced Mumtaz Akhtar and Dipankar made up the midfield while Imran Khan and Vanlalbiaa operated from the flanks. Leonce Dodoz and Manvir started upfront.

Mohammedan SC started off brightly. Though the black panthers dominated possession but failed to threaten Sandip Nandy in Southern Samity’s goal during the opening exchanges.

The hosts had the first look at the rival goal in the 11th minute when Vanlalbiaa’s cross at the near post saw Manvir rise high to head the ball but the striker could not found the target.

After soaking some early pressure, Southern Samity began pushing forward and took the lead just past the half hour mark when Ashim slotted from Tirthankar Sarkar’s pass.

Having conceded, Mohammedan SC began attacking with intensity through Dodoz and Manvir but Southern Samity managed to hold on defending deep as the first half ended with the visitors leading 1-0.

Changing over, the Mohammedan SC continued to dominate proceeding but it was the lack of finishing that let the Ranjan Chowdhury-coached side down.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Southern Samity doubled their advantage as Ajay got on the scoresheet in the 71st minute capitalizing on a goalkeeping error by Sankar.

Needing goals, Mohammedan Sporting introduced Alexandre Tabillon replacing Toure in the later stages, but nothing turned out to be fruitful as the game ended 2-0 in favour of Southern Samity.

Mohammedan Sporting Club will host Neroca FC next on January 27 at the same venue.

(Mohammedan Sporting Club Press Release)