Mohun Bagan Super Giant suffered a disappointing start to their AFC Champions League 2 campaign as Turkmenistan’s FK Ahal secured a stunning 1-0 win at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Tuesday. Despite dominating possession and spending long spells in the opposition half, the Mariners failed to find the cutting edge, while the visitors capitalised on their moment with ruthless efficiency.
The home side showed early promise, with Kiyan Nassiri impressively weaving past two defenders in the 15th minute before setting up Sahal Abdul Samad with a cutback. However, Sahal’s first-time effort was blocked. Soon after, FK Ahal reminded Mohun Bagan of their threat, striking the upright in the 32nd minute through a sharp flick-on from inside the box.
The Mariners attempted to wrest control, with Jason Cummings trying his luck from a distance in the 37th minute, but his effort sailed harmlessly over the crossbar. It was a half that produced few clear chances, shaped largely by tactical discipline. Ahal operated in a 3-4-3 system but dropped into a back five when out of possession, leaving very little room for Juan Ferrando Molina’s side to work through the middle. Forced wide, Mohun Bagan struggled to create decisive openings, despite fielding three foreigners in the starting XI.
The second half began with a scare for the hosts as Berenov was allowed to run unchallenged into the box in the 57th minute, only for Vishal Kaith to produce a sharp low save. Seeking inspiration, Molina turned to his bench on the hour mark, introducing Jamie Maclaren and Anirudh Thapa for Kiyan and Sahal. Maclaren nearly made an immediate impact, bundling the ball into the net with his first touch, but the effort was ruled out for off-side.
Brazilian recruit Robson Robinho entered the fray in the 70th minute, while Subhasish Bose replaced Abhishek Singh at left-back. Robson almost created the breakthrough in the 81st minute, threading a delightful long ball that found Sahal’s run. The midfielder burst into the box but dragged his shot wide.
A minute later, Mohun Bagan were punished. Ahal launched a swift attack down the left, and Annayev Enver ghosted into the box to clinically slot home past Kaith, silencing the home crowd.
Despite late pressure, the Mariners could not break through a resolute Ahal backline. The Turkmenistan outfit, made up entirely of domestic players, showed composure and discipline throughout, never appearing overawed by the occasion or the away setting.
For Mohun Bagan, it was a night of frustration and missed opportunities. For FK Ahal, it was a famous victory that underlined their tactical organisation and fighting spirit.
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