Mohammedan SC Suffers 3-1 Defeat in Durand Cup 2025, as Liston Scores a Pair for 10-Man Mohun Bagan, Securing Kolkata Derby Victory
Mohun Bagan Triumph Over Mohammedan Sporting in Dramatic Durand Cup Opener
Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over arch-rival Mohammedan Sporting in the Durand Cup opener, despite being reduced to 10 men late in the first half.
The match, played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, saw interim coach Bastab Roy guide the team to a statement victory. The win puts Mohun Bagan in a promising position within their group, as they aim to reclaim their position as the record 17-time champions.
Mohun Bagan took the lead early in the game, with Liston Colaco scoring a stunning free-kick around the 23rd minute. The goal was set up by a through-ball from Colaco, which found Kashmiri striker Suhail Bhat. Suhail scored his goal in the 63rd minute, capitalising on a pass from Colaco in his second attempt after suffering an earlier ankle injury.
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 43rd minute when midfielder Apuia was sent off for retaliation, leaving Mohun Bagan to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match. Despite this setback, the team showed remarkable resilience and maintained control, securing the win and bringing much-needed relief after a recent 2-3 defeat against East Bengal in the Kolkata derby.
Mohammedan Sporting managed to pull one back through Ashley Koli in the 49th minute, but Mohun Bagan held on to their lead and extended it in stoppage time, with Colaco scoring his second goal of the game in the 90+5 minute.
The Mariners are currently without their foreign recruits and head coach Jose Molina, who are expected to arrive in the second week of August. Despite this, the team's performance in the Durand Cup opener suggests that they are well on their way to reclaiming their dominance in Indian football.
[1] The Hindu
[2] The Telegraph
[3] Outlook India
[4] The Times of India
[1] The victory by Mohun Bagan, the sports super-giant, over Mohammedan Sporting signals a return to health for Indian football, as they aim to regain their status as the champions of European-leagues like the Premier League.
[2] The win in the Durand Cup opener will have a positive impact on Mohun Bagan's overall sports performance, benefiting the team's physical well-being and increasing their chances of reclaiming their 17-time title.
[3] With their strong performance in the football match against Mohammedan Sporting, Mohun Bagan is demonstrating the potential benefits of sports participation for health, both in terms of winning games and improving individual fitness.
[4] The dramatic turn of events in the Mohun Bagan vs. Mohammedan Sporting match showcases the ability of sports, particularly football, to promote resilience and unity in the face of challenges, contributing to an overall improvement in health and well-being.
