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I-League: Hard-fought win for Bagan, Arrows routed

Riding on Jose Barreto’s brilliance, Mohan Bagan overcome Chirag United Kerala’s resistance.

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Mohun Bagan left it late but still secured three points against Chirag United Kerala (winning 2-1) in their first home match of the I-League.

Early on in the first half Jose Ramirez Barreto gave a fine through ball to Sunil Chhetri but he was not able to reach the pass.

The match came alive in the second half, with Chirag United Kerala putting early pressure on Mohun Bagan with a flurry of attacks. However, it was Mohun Bagan who opened the scoring after a goalkeeping error by the Chirag United Kerala keeper.

The goalie failed to hold on to a harmless shot which went back to Odafa Okalie. Alert to the moment, Okalie made no mistake with the finish and drew first blood for Mohan Bagan. Odafa, however, limped off the field in the 58th minute and had to be substituted.

Chirag United Kerala hit back through a strike from their Australian striker Michel Matriccani in the 67th minute. Jagdeep Singh centred the ball from the left. Michel received the ball on top of the box and finished it past the onrushing Sangaram Mukehrjee who was able to get just a hand on it.

Just when it appeared like Chirag United Kerala had done enough to take one point, Mohun Bagan earned a free kick right on the edge of the box. Jose Barreto himself took the free kick and placed the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s right hand, much to the celebrations of the home fans.

Mohun Bagan held on till the end even as Barreto left the field owing to an injury. Having used all their substitutions, Mohun Bagan had to see out the last few minutes with only 10 men. It was a hard-fought win for Mohun Bagan who would be happy to play away from Kolkata in their next match.

In the other encounter, Salgaocar hammered Pailan Arrows 4-0.

The defending champions were helped by a penalty, an own goal, and the sending off of Pailan Arrows defender Avinabo Bag in the 22nd minute.  After being two goals and a player down, it was curtains for Pailan Arrows.

Salgaocar started with positive intent and surged ahead in the 15th minute when Chidi controlled a ball from Biswajit Saha and let go a powerful drive from top of the box giving no chance to Pailan goalkeeper Naveen Kumar.

Salgocar soon found themselves 2-0 ahead when Avinabo handled Chidi’s shot – which was headed towards goal – prompting the referee to issue him the marching orders and also a penalty. Chidi stepped up and made no mistake.

Hardly had the cheers died down when Salgaocar struck again, this time Jaspal Parmar working his way down the right flank and essaying a ball into the heart of the Pailan goalmouth where Francis headed with ease. Salgaocar’s fourth goal was another gift. This time it was Lalrozama Fanai who was the culprit as the youngster turned a harmless Saha cross into his own goal.
Hosts Shillong Lajong defeated HAL Bangalore 1-0 in the Imphal
derby.

Meanwhile, East Bengal will be keen to get their first points when they face Prayag United. Prayag United head  coach Sanjoy Sen said, “We are not worried about our opponents. As a team we are only concerned with our own performance and if we play well we can give most teams a fight.”

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