I-League 2018/19: 3 Reasons why Mohun Bagan won against Minerva Punjab FC

Fresh from the defeat against East Bengal in a five-goal ‘Kolkata Derby’, the onus was on the Mohun Bagan players to deliver in the vital away clash against Minerva Punjab FC in the I-League. Shankarlal Chakraborty's army did exactly what the doctor ordered.

The ‘Mariners’ produced a sensational performance to win 1-0 and snatch away three points against the defending champions in the own den.

Henry Kisekka scored the winner in the 79th minute to seal the deal for Mohun Bagan. The 'green and maroon' brigade has now accumulated 12 points from eight matches and is placed at the seventh position in the points table.

The margin of victory could well have been increased but it was unfortunate that the goal post came in between them on three occasions. Just the like the previous game, a few of the decisions went against them.

A clear handball offence inside the box was overlooked by the referee, with other poor decisions to keep aside.

Here are the three reasons why Mohun Bagan won against Minerva Punjab FC:

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#3 Improved display in the defence

Unlike the previous matches, Mohun Bagan’s defence played well, they looked calm and composed in the 90 minutes of play.

Without the services of Eze Kingsley, after he was sent off midway through the Kolkata Derby, Shankarlal summoned Gurjinder Kumar to fill up his shoes.

The stopper was Punjab proved his worth, guarding the Bagan goal with perfection along with fellow defender Kim Kima. Mohun Bagan managed to keep a clean sheet after a one-month span!

The problem lies in the fact that Mohun Bagan depends too much on foreign recruits like Sony Norde and Eze Kingsley. But the fact is that in the absence of these players, others rise up and take up responsibility.

It was exactly what happened in the last thirty minutes of the ‘Kolkata Derby.’ With Sony Norde ruled out and Kingsley showed the red near the hour mark, Mohun Bagan could have easily conceded more.

On the contrary, they played offensive and staged a rather surprising comeback, but eventually lost the match.

Arijit Bagui and Abhishek Ambekar played their part pretty well, the overlapping runs were very effective.

The partnership between Azharuddin/Faiaz and Arijit Bagui was also laudable. The role of Yuta Kinowaki should also be applauded, the Japanese was effective in shutting down Minerva Punjab’s attack in the midfield. William Opoku found it hard to penetrate through the defence.

#2 Tactical masterpiece by Shankarlal Chakraborty

The change in tactics worked for the ‘Mariners’ as they were more compact in the midfield and had the control of the game for the lion’s share of the game

Shankarlal Chakraborty made a slight change in the midfield, putting Egyptian Omar El Hussieny in a more responsible role rather than playing him as a winger.

The change in tactics worked for the ‘Mariners’ as they were more compact in the midfield and had the control of the game for the lion’s share of the game.

Omar played exceptionally well, he has distributed the ball on both ways of the field, more importantly, he provided support to Yuta Kinowaki and Sourav Das.

Yuta and Sourav did their bit, keeping Minerva Punjab FC’s attacks at bay and snatch the loose balls. Henry Kisekka was playing a bit wide in the match, paving the way for Azharuddin Mallik and Dipanda Dicka up front.

Maybe playing in the same formation for a few more games will help the team even more, but it will be interesting to see how Shankarlal shapes the team when Sony Norde and Pintu Mahata return from their respective injuries.

For the first time after a few weeks, there was a sense of understanding in Bagan’s attacks. In spite of missing the like of Sony Norde and Pintu Mahata, the rest of the lot proved that they have enough potential to win a match.

The partnership between Omar El Hussieny and Henry Kisekka was evident, with Azharuddin Mallik also joining the party.

Dipanda Dicka looked more flexible compared to the last match and was unfortunate to get his name on the scoresheet.

#1 Dynamic display by Henry Kisekka and Omar Elhussieny

Kisekka made justice to his efforts by scoring the winner and guide the Kolkata giants to their first win after three matches

Although Henry Kisekka was adjourned as the ‘player of the match,’ Omar Elhussieny equally deserved it.

The winger was dictating terms in the midfield and was the main supply line to the players in the front. Kisekka made justice to his efforts by scoring the winner and guide the Kolkata giants to their first win after three matches!

Omar El Hussieny produced a beautiful assist to set up the first goal for Mohun Bagan in their previous tie against arch-rivals East Bengal, but eventually, Bagan lost 2-3 in the high-voltage match.

The Egyptian was given a different role to play by the coach in the away match, he played even better than the last one. He created a lot of chances, a free-kick taken by him was denied by the woodwork.

It was in the 79th minute that his sublime through ball found Henry Kisekka, who controlled it well enough and slotted it home in an acute angle to earn three vital points for his team.

Henry Kisekka was probably the most hardworking footballer in the pitch, running up and down the field throughout the game. He compensated for the lacklustre display by him in the ‘Kolkata Derby.’