ACL Two: Ahal FK punish disappointing Mohun Bagan in the Group stage opener

ACL Two: Ahal FK punish disappointing Mohun Bagan in the Group stage opener – After all the huff and puff, Mohun Bagan once again collapsed in the Continental stage, falling short against Ahal Fk in the ACL Two Group stage opener in front of the pully packed Salt Lake stadium. The Mariners barely managed to test the visiting goalkeeper over the full 90 minutes, while the low budgeted Turkmenistan side did enough to take all three points home.

It was a painful watch for the Green and Maroon faithful throughout match as Mohun Bagan looked way behind of the visiting side in every aspect of the game. The players looked hopeless, creating nothing and even failed to complete four-five back-to-back successful passes. Both teams were cautious early in the game and the home side was trying hard to win the battle in the midfield but the fitness of the players made sure that they didn’t.

The game picked up pace closing into the first half with the home side getting a chance through Jason Cummings and Liston Colaco in successive minutes. However, both players failed to keep them even on target to challenge the opponent goalkeeper. The plan was working perfectly for the visiting side, they are were waiting patiently for their chance. They knew that they would have plenty of opportunities once the home side starts to struggle physically.

With time ticking, the onus was on the home side to take the initiative and force a change by breaking the deadlock. Coach Molina made a few questionable changes, going all guns blazing keeping the defense open. With Robson Robinho coming on, the big gaps appeared in the defensive third and Ahal made the most out of it, attacking repeatedly through wings. The visitors eventually broke the deadlock through a brilliant strike by a substitute young forward Annayev who became emotional post match, scoring the winner for his team.

Yet again, the Mariners fail in the continental stage that too having everything on their side to produce something positive for their fans as well the country. The Mariners will travel to Iran to face Sepahan SC in the next group stage clash.