Mohun Bagan started the AFC Champions League Two campaign on a frustrating note after missing multiple chances in the goalless draw against Tajikistan’s FC Ravshan on Wednesday.
Playing in their home stadium at the Salt Lake, ISL Shield Champions failed to break the deadlock, squandering multiple chances.
Here are the major talking points from the game between Mohun Bagan and Ravshan Kulob:
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#5 Fans unhappy with coach Molina
‘Go back Molina’ was the chant after the game that reverberated through the stands.
The fans were unhappy with the performance as this is the second consecutive game where Mohun Bagan has played a draw.
Earlier, they squandered a two-goal lead against NorthEast United FC in the Durand Cup final to lose the title. The pressure is increasing with time on the Spanish coach.
#4 Mohun Bagan missed a plethora of chances
Despite having more possession and a dominant presence in the opponent’s box, Mohun Bagan failed to execute the final move in the box.
With 11 shots on the goal, MBSG managed to get only two of them on target and the likes of Jason Cummings, Dimitri Petratos and Liston Calco were responsible for missing some easy chances.
In the 76th minute, Jason Cummings found himself one-on-one with Ravshan goalkeeper Yevhen Hrytsenko but the Australian World Cupper made a mockery of it with a tame shot aimed straight at the keeper.
Similarly, Liston Calco had a golden chance in the extra time after Greg Stewart found him with a through-ball but the Indian youngster hit a wayward shot to sum up the frustrating night.
#3 Vishal Kaith brilliant again
Mohun Bagan’s first real scare came in the 28th minute when Kojo Matic sent a clever ball over the defence, allowing Muhammaddjon Rahimov a chance to shoot.
However, Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was alert, pulling off a crucial save to keep the score level. He was involved in the game most of the time but had little to do in terms of saving goals.
#2 Dippendu and Ashish Rai were lucky
Dippendu Biswas and Ashish Rai, both Mohun Bagan defenders were very lucky to escape punishments in the first half despite their stupidity. Dippendu first committed a needless foul handing Ravshan a free-kick and getting in the book.
Minutes later, Ashish Rai was cautioned for hitting the player from the back after the ball was out of play. In crunch games like this, discipline becomes most important and the Indian players need a lesson or two in that.
#1 What next for Mohun Bagan?
After a disappointing start in both the Indian Super League and AFC Champions Trophy, Mohun Bagan SG will look to regroup and come back stronger.
MBSG will play NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC next in the ISL and will return to play Iranian Club Tractor in the second group game of the AFC Champions League Two.