After the international break, Mohun Bagan AC have hit the right chord and they have continued their scintillating form in the AFC Cup 2017 as well by overpowering Abahani Limited Dhaka by a handsome margin of 3-1 at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium in Kolkata tonight (April 4, 2017).

Although the visitors drew the first blood through Jonathan Brown’s (21′) opener, Mariners levelled the terms at the stroke of the first half (45’+1) when Jeje Lalpekhlua slotted a left-footed grounder at the back of the net. The Mariners completely outplayed the Bangladeshi outfit in the next 45 minutes and scored none but two. Balwant Singh (48′) put them in the driver’s seat for the first time and Sony Norde (87′) nailed the final one at the opponent’s coffin three minutes to the final whistle.

Sanjoy Sen fielded a full-strength attacking lineup comprising of Jeje Lalpekhlua, Balwant Singh, Sony Norde and Katsumi Yusa but opted to rest the defensive mainstays Pritam Kotal and Anas Edathodika ahead of the Hero I-League Kolkata Derby on April 9.

The Drago Mamic-coached side stunned the 2,500-odd crowd to rattle the back of the net within the first half-hour, the hosts drew parity on the scoreline seconds before the half-time.

After the changeover, it was the Mariners all over who went ahead within three minutes of the resumption from a blinder from Balwant Singh. The opponent goalie stood tall against the Mohun Bagan attackers to deny them from scoring more goals but the exuberant game-maker Sony Norde sealed the game on 87 minutes.

With the win, Mohun Bagan come up to the second spot in the group with three points from two matches where JSW Bengaluru FC are leading the group with six points playing same number of matches.

(Report & Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)