Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) began its Durand Cup 2025 campaign on a winning note, defeating city rivals Mohammedan SC 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday. The night belonged to winger Liston Colaco, who delivered a standout performance with two goals and an assist to guide the ISL champions to victory.
The Mariners broke the deadlock midway through the first half when they won a free kick just outside the Mohammedan penalty box. Colaco stepped up and floated the ball perfectly over the wall, leaving Mohammedan goalkeeper Subhajit helpless. That strike not only put MBSG in front but also set the tone for Colaco’s dominant display.
Despite the lead, the defending ISL winners were dealt a major blow before halftime. Midfielder Apuia was shown a red card for a head butt on Tangva Ragui, leaving Bagan down to ten men. Dippendu Biswas also received a booking in the heated exchanges, but MBSG managed to hold its one-goal cushion heading into the break.
Mohammedan started the second half with renewed energy and soon found their equalizer. Lalthankima’s fierce effort forced Vishal Kaith into a weak save, and the rebound fell kindly to young striker Ashley, who calmly slotted home to make it 1-1.
But the ten-man Mariners responded in style. Colaco turned provider in the 70th minute, delivering a sharp cross into the box that substitute Suhail Ahmed Bhat converted to restore MBSG’s lead. While goalkeeper and captain for the night, Kaith, endured an inconsistent outing, he made a crucial stop late in the game to preserve the advantage.
As the match neared its conclusion, Mohammedan pushed forward in search of another equalizer, but disaster struck in stoppage time. Skipper Dinesh Meitei brought Colaco down inside the penalty area, and the winger confidently converted the resulting spot-kick to seal the win for the Mariners.
With two goals and an assist, Colaco was deservedly named Player of the Match. His brilliance ensured that Mohun Bagan Super Giant made a strong start in their quest for silverware, even in the face of adversity.
The 3-1 result not only strengthens MBSG’s early position in the group but also reaffirms their dominance in the Kolkata derby setting. For Mohammedan SC, despite showing flashes of promise, the missed chances and defensive lapses proved too costly against a side that thrives on big occasions.
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