MOHUN BAGAN CONTINUED their winning streak in the Calcutta Football League today.
The young Mariners (Mohun Bagan development team) faced a tricky opponent in United SC, who despite some bad results had some talent in their squad, and they went beyond themselves to catch the eyes of the selectors on their big occasion at the Mohun Bagan Ground.
Although Bagan started well, their breakthrough took time. Some of the players who started were a part of the team that faced Bangaldesh Army in the Durand Cup less than 48 hours ago, and it showed in how they were outpaced by USC players throughout the game.
But ultimately, the first goal came just short of the half hour mark when Nongdamba Naorem shot one in from the edge of the box with a superb finish. In the second half, USC gave Mohun Bagan a lot of trouble and created chances, but for once, the shaky Bagan defence held on for their first CFL 2023 clean sheet.
Just before the 90 minutes ran out, Suhail Ahmed Bhat scored the second goal for the Mariners, ensuring they would get within 1 point of Group A leaders Diamond Harbour FC, with a game in hand.
So far, Mohun Bagan seem to be handling the two ongoing competitions - Durand Cup and Calcutta Football League - well enough with their youngsters. But as matches get more difficult later this month, they may have to consider bringing out the big guns.