AFC Cup 2023-24 HIGHLIGHTS: Mohun Bagan hammers Machhindra FC 3-1 - Score, Updates, Blog
Catch the highlights of Mohun Bagan's 3-1 win in the 2023-24 AFC Cup preliminary round two game against Machhindra FC.
FILE PHOTO: Anwar Ali scores a goal from a header against Machhindra FC in the AFC preliminary round game on August 16, 2023, at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. (Photo credit: Mohun Bagan)
Clinical Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Nepal's Machhindra FC 3-1 in the 2023-24 AFC Cup preliminary round two game at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, on Wednesday.
Starting the match in an aggressive style, Mohun Bagan rattled Machhindra FC's defence with waves of attacks. But Bishal Shrestha, the goalkeeper, stood tall between the Mariners' relentless attacks and the goal.
Mohun Bagan would eventually break the deadlock in the 38th minute when Anwar Ali's header from a free-kick beat Bishal. Bagan would make it 2-0 in the second half when Jason Cummings made a sublime finish with an inside step, following an Anirudh Thapa pass, in the 59th minute.
Even though Mohun Bagan defence was rarely tested, Machhindra FC reduced the margin in the 78th minute when Olawale's free-kick flew over Bagan's defence and beat goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
With Mohun Bagan having a slender lead, Anwar struck again in the 85th minute to seal the contest 3-1.
Mohun Bagan will face off against Abahani Dhaka on August 22 in the AFC Cup south zone playoff.
Follow highlights:
It is a clinical show by Mohun Bagan. The Mariners won 3-1. Anwar Ali has been the standout performer today with two goals. Ali's both goals have come from headers, winning set pieces from free kicks. Jason Cummings scored the other goal. Olawale scored the lone goal for Machhinra FC.
Mohun Bagan will play Abahani Dhaka in the AFC Cup south zone playoff on August 22.
Mohun Bagan has been absolutely at its best. The fans will be happy with Jason Cummings, who did not have an impressive outing in the game against East Bengal. Coach Juan Ferrando will be pleased that his team dominates Machhindra FC in every aspect of the game.
Machhindra FC is trying to make some last-minute efforts. But Mohun Bagan's defence foils its efforts, with Thapa launching a counter-attack and passing the ball to Sadiku, who shoots from a distance and Bishal blocks.
Anwatr Ali is on fire. He scores his second goal of the match as Mohun Bagan takes a 3-1 lead in the match. Anwar taps into a Petratos cross delivered from a free-kick, and Anwar heads it into the goal to beef up Mohun Bagan's lead to 3-1 in the dying minutes of the second half.
With eight minutes remaining from the regulation time, MB coach Juan Ferrandon brings in the club's newly recruited player Armando Sadiku. Mohun Bagn now has a slender lead.
Machhindra fights back in the game. It makes it 2-1. Olawale scores.
A left-footed free-kick from Olawale. It flies over Mohun Bagan's defence and nestles in the net, beating Vishal Kaith. Machhindra 1-2 Mohun Bagan.
Olawale is second-time lucky. Machhindra gets the first free-kick on the edge of the penalty box. As he takes the shot before the whistle, referee urges him to take it again.
For a change in the game, Machhindra FC initiates an attack, but Bagan defenders foil the Nepalese club's effort.
Ashique Kurunian is in discomfort. He needs medical attention. Bagan coach Juan Ferrando brings in Liston Colaco as a substitute. Ashique has been stretchered off the pitch.
Jason Cummings makes it 2-0 for Mohun Bagan. It is his first goal for Bagan. The crowd at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) has gone berserk. A sublime finish by the Bagan's Australian striker. Anirudh Thapa comes up with the pass. Cummings finishes it from his left with an inside step. Mohun Bagan 2-0 Machhindra FC.
Boumous comes from a pass from his left just right outside the box. Mohun Bagan gets not one but three chances to convert the chance. Manvir, who is standing in the box unmarked just a second after replacing Asish, attempts a curler but Bishal blocks it. Mohun Bagan 1-0 Machhindra FC.
Substitutes
Manvir Singh replaces Asish Rai
Dimitrios Petratos comes in place of Hugo Boumous