In a thrilling Group A fixture at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, January 9, Mohun Bagan Super Giant orchestrated a stunning comeback, clinching a 2-1 win against Sreenidi Deccan in the Kalinga Super Cup. The match unfolded with late drama as Abhishek Suryavanshi of the Mariners received his marching orders in the 86th minute, leaving the team with 10 men. Nevertheless, goals from Jason Cummings and Armando Sadiku ensured that Mohun Bagan emerged victorious, overturning an early lead secured by William Alves for the Deccan Warriors from the penalty spot.
The turning point in the first half occurred in the 29th minute when Sumit Rathi’s challenge on Lalromawia inside the box resulted in a penalty for Sreenidi Deccan. William Alves stepped up and calmly converted, giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead. However, Mohun Bagan responded emphatically just 10 minutes later. In a failed clearance attempt by Sreenidi, the ball rebounded off the crossbar from Suryavanshi’s effort, allowing Jason Cummings to tap in the equalizer.
Armando Sadiku took the winning shot for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Second Half
The second half saw Mohun Bagan asserting their dominance, with Armando Sadiku securing the winner in the 71st minute. A well-executed play initiated by Ashis Rai, who received a long ball from Hugo Boumous, culminated in Sadiku slotting the ball into the net. Despite potential claims of offside, the goal stood, and Mohun Bagan found themselves ahead.
The late dismissal of Suryavanshi tested Mohun Bagan’s resilience, but they admirably switched to a defensive stance to protect their lead. Interim head coach Antonio Lopez Habas, who recently took charge from Juan Ferrando, will undoubtedly be pleased with his team’s character and response to adversity.
On the other side, Sreenidi Deccan’s head coach, Carlos Vaz Pinto, may feel aggrieved by the offside decision that played a pivotal role in his team conceding all three points. The narrow margin of defeat could be seen as harsh considering the competitiveness of the encounter.
This victory signifies a positive start for Mohun Bagan in the Kalinga Super Cup under their new leadership. The ability to rebound from a goal down, overcome adversity, and secure a comeback win showcases the team’s determination and fighting spirit.
As the tournament progresses, Mohun Bagan Super Giant will look to build on this momentum and continue delivering performances that reflect their pedigree as a footballing powerhouse. The Kalinga Super Cup promises more excitement and drama, with each match shaping the narrative of this prestigious competition.
Ashish Rai of Mohun Bagan Super Giant is given man of the match for his stellar performance in the defense.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant Starting XI
Rathi, Basfore, Petratos(C), Boumous, Abhishek, Kiyan, Hector, Arsh, Cummins, Sadiku
Sreenidi Deccan Starting XI
Albino Gomes, Lalnuntlunga, WIlliam Alves, Faysal Shayesteh, Sajid Dhot, Lalromawia, Eli Sabia, Abhishek Ambekar, Jagdeep Singh, Gurmukh Singh, RIlwan Hassan
