Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Monday produced a dazzling display to pip Mumbai City FC in the ISL Shield decider. The Mariners, needing a win against the table toppers to be crowned ISL Shield Champions, won 2-1 thanks to goals from Liston Colaco and Jason Cummins in either half. Mumbai FC pulled a goal back in the 89th minute but it wasn’t enough as the Mariners held on to their nerves despite being a man down. After winning the shield, now the focus turns to the ISL trophy for the Mariners.
Mohun Bagan looked more determined of the two sides as the huge crowd of over 61,000 at the Salt Lake Stadium egged the Mariners on to snatch the ISL shield away from the Islanders. The Mariners obliged too, getting into the groove early on.
MBSG pushed from the start, creating numerous chances with Armando Sadiku, Dimitri Petratos, Liston Colaco raiding the MCFC box on regular intervals to score the elusive goal. Colaco came the closest to scoring when his unmarked header hit the bar and came right back out.
A goal for the ages
However, the Mariners search for that elusive goal came to end in the 28th minute when Liston Colaco scored a screamer from just inside the box to send the Salt Lake crowd into a frenzy. Petratos got the ball from the right flank and quickly released Liston who was waiting on the left. Liston took the ball and beat two MCFC defenders with a drop of his shoulders before curling a vicious shot with his right foot to beat MCFC goalkeeper Lachenpa.
The Islanders produced a much-improved display in the second half but the Mariners hung on firmly thanks to their stout defence and Vishal Kaith’s brilliance.
Super Substitute
Mariners boss Lopez Antonio Habas knew the difficulties of a one goal lead and brought on Jason Cummins to kill the game. Cummins did just that, by scoring MBSG’s second goal in the 80th minute.
MBSG went on a counter-attack with Petratos turning provider once again. He pushed a cross field ball to Cummins. The Aussie striker did the rest, calmly slotting the ball past the MCFC goalkeeper.
Islanders fight back
MCFC pulled a goal back in the dying minutes of the game through Lallianzuala Chhangte when he slotted the ball past Vishal Kaith from a corner.
MBSG made the job tougher for them when substitute Brendan Hamill was sent off by seeing a second yellow card.
Editors pick
