I-League: Air India split points with Mohun Bagan

Air India’s striker duo Manandeep Singh and debutant Prakash Thorat put up a brilliant show to hold Mohun Bagan 2-2 in their 21st round match of the I-League at Balewadi Sports Complex on Monday.

Though the result hardly made any difference to the ninth-placed Mumbai side, the draw has definitely dampened Bagan’s title hopes. The Kolkata side was expected to garner three points and move to the second spot. However, it managed to climb to the third place, pushing Pune FC to fourth with 38 points in its kitty. East Bengal are also on 38 points. However they enjoy a better goal difference (+17) as compared to Bagan (+12).

Manandeep’s brace in the 21st and 39th minutes could have ensured the Mumbai side a big win. However, Bagan bounced back in the second half.

Bagan scored first in the 20th minute, Nigerian striker Odafa Onyeka Okolie passing to Maithani, who made no mistake. Before Bagan players could enjoy their lead, Mumbai players launched a swift counter-attack in the 21st. Manandeep produced a spectacular bicycle kick to give the Mumbai team the equaliser.

In the 39th minute, Manandeep scored off a rebound from the bar. Trailing 1-2, Odafa netted the equaliser for Bagan in the 64th minute.