Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a 3-1 victory over Nepal’s Machhindra FC in the preliminary stage of the AFC Cup at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan, with Anwar Ali scoring twice and Jason Cummings contributing the other goal. This win earned them a spot in the AFC Cup Playoff against Dhaka Abahani. Their performance showed notable improvement from their disappointing loss in the Kolkata derby, but Mohun Bagan still missed numerous scoring opportunities and had to settle for a 3-1 scoreline.
Early in the match, Bagan came close to scoring when Ashis Rai delivered an accurate cross from the right flank to Ashique Kuruniyan, but his shot went over the bar. Although they seemed a bit unorganized in the first quarter, Bagan gradually gained control over the midfield as the game progressed. They managed to create several promising attacking moves but lacked clinical finishing, failing to get the better of Machhindra FC’s goalkeeper, Bishal Shrestha. On the other hand, Machhindra FC struggled to maintain control and failed to generate clear scoring opportunities, with no shots on target in the first 45 minutes.
FT | 🇮🇳 Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3️⃣-1️⃣ Machhindra FC 🇳🇵
Mohun Bagan Super Giant get past Machhindra FC and will face 🇧🇩’s Abahani Limited Dhaka in the South Zone Playoff! pic.twitter.com/bVjGKxqlwF
— #AFCCup (@AFCCup) August 16, 2023
Shrestha denied Sahal Abdul Samad’s impressive strike in the 11th minute. Another prime opportunity came Bagan’s way in the 30th minute from a well-placed corner by Hugo Boumous that found Shubhasish Bose in the 6-yard box. However, Subhasish’s attempt was thwarted by a Machhindra FC defender on the goal line.
Just before halftime, Ali broke the deadlock with an exceptional header from another Boumous corner, marking his first goal in the green-and-maroon jersey. Shortly after, Bagan had another chance, with Cummings initiating an attack from midfield and providing a precise through pass to Ashique, who sprinted into the box from the left flank and took a powerful shot that hit the side netting. Vishal Kaith, MBSG’s goalkeeper, was only truly tested when Messouke Oloumou’s long-range shot went narrowly wide.
In the second half, Juan Ferrando introduced fresh players like Manvir Singh and Dimi Petratos, which had a positive impact. Cummings extended the hosts’ lead, receiving a well-executed pass from Petratos that pierced the defence, allowing him to calmly beat the goalkeeper. Machhindra FC managed to narrow the gap with a remarkable freekick goal from Oloumou. However, Ali secured Mohun Bagan’s victory with a clinical header from Petratos’ freekick in the 86th minute.
Despite the win, concerns remain over Bagan’s finishing, as they squandered many opportunities. They need to improve in that department in that crucial playoff match against Abahani on August 22.