Mohun Bagan displayed grit and determination to secure a narrow 2-1 victory over Ahal FK in an exhilarating AFC Cup group stage clash at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. With tactical discipline and crucial moments of brilliance, Mohun Bagan kept their campaign on track.
Match Snapshot: Key Stats and Highlights
Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Result | Mohun Bagan won by 2-1 |
| Mohun Bagan Goals | Liston Colaco (28’), Lallianzuala Chhangte (67’) |
| Ahal’s Goal | Mämmedaly Garadanow (54’) |
| Venue | Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata |
| Top Performers | Liston Colaco, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Dheeraj Singh |
| Date | September 16, 2025 |
| Competition | AFC Cup 2025 Group Stage |
First Half: Mohun Bagan Strike Early Through Liston Colaco
-
Mohun Bagan started strongly on their home turf, controlling possession and pressing high up the field.
-
Liston Colaco opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a clinical finish inside the box.
-
Ahal tried to respond with quick counters but struggled to break through Bagan’s organized defense.
-
The half ended with Mohun Bagan leading 1-0.
Tactical Overview: Bagan’s High Press and Ahal’s Counter-Attacking Threat
-
Mohun Bagan relied on quick transitions and wing play to unsettle Ahal.
-
Ahal focused on compact defense and looked to exploit spaces on the counter.
-
The match saw tight midfield battles and tactical adjustments from both coaches at halftime.
Second Half: Ahal’s Equalizer and Mohun Bagan’s Decisive Winner
-
Ahal started the second half with renewed energy and equalized through Mämmedaly Garadanow in the 54th minute with a powerful strike.
-
The goal boosted Ahal’s confidence as they pushed forward seeking a winner.
-
Mohun Bagan regained control, and Lallianzuala Chhangte’s skillful run and finish in the 67th minute restored their lead.
-
Mohun Bagan defended resiliently to maintain the advantage till the final whistle.
Player Highlights: Key Contributors
-
Liston Colaco: Sparked the offense with pace and precise finishing.
-
Lallianzuala Chhangte: Delivered the winning goal with composure and flair.
-
Dheeraj Singh: Crucial saves kept Mohun Bagan in the game, especially during Ahal’s pressure spells.
-
Mämmedaly Garadanow: Ahal’s standout performer with a vital equalizing goal.
Match Flow: Key Phases and Moments
Phase | Key Moment |
|---|---|
| Early Play | Mohun Bagan assert control, create early chances. |
| 28th Minute | Colaco scores to give Mohun Bagan the lead. |
| Second Half Start | Ahal presses hard, looking for an equalizer. |
| 54th Minute | Garadanow levels the score with a powerful strike. |
| 67th Minute | Chhangte’s goal restores Mohun Bagan’s advantage. |
| Final Minutes | Mohun Bagan defends stoutly to secure the win. |
What This Win Means
For Mohun Bagan:
-
A crucial three points that strengthens their position in the AFC Cup group.
-
Demonstrates their ability to fight back and secure results in tight contests.
-
Builds confidence ahead of upcoming fixtures.
For Ahal:
-
A hard-fought performance but falling short in key moments.
-
Need to improve defensive resilience and finishing.
-
Will look to regroup and come back stronger in their next matches.
Coach’s Corner: Insights and Areas for Improvement
-
Mohun Bagan’s coach praised the team’s mental strength and tactical discipline.
-
Highlighted the importance of maintaining focus in both attack and defense.
-
Ahal’s coach emphasized the team’s fighting spirit but noted the need for sharper execution in the final third.
Final Thoughts
The Mohun Bagan vs Ahal encounter provided thrilling football action, showcasing tactical battles and moments of individual brilliance. Mohun Bagan’s early lead, resilience under pressure, and clinical finishing ultimately made the difference in a closely contested game. Both teams will take valuable lessons from this match as the AFC Cup group stage progresses.
One thought on “Mohun Bagan Wins 2-1 in Exciting AFC Cup Match Against Ahal”