Mohun Bagan's title chances take a hit after 1-0 loss to Army XI

Mohun Bagan haven’t won the CFL since 2009

Mohun Bagan succumbed to their first defeat of the Calcutta Football League when they were beaten 1-0 by Army XI at the Barasat Stadium. Jain scored the only goal of the game as Bagan slipped to fifth on the table.

Asif was handed a start in place of the injured Bhowmick, who had picked up a knock. Army started the game on the front foot with Jain and Tudu looking like the players who could create a problem for the I-League Champions.

After seeing off the early pressure from Army, Bagan settled into the match creating chances of their own, with new signing, Dudu, getting the first chance for the Mariners, but the striker was unable to finish off the opportunity.

Bagan were then forced into a substitution when Howaldar picked up a knock. Unable to continue, Sanjoy Sen brought on Bhargav to replace the injured player. The next chance fell to Moula but again the Bagn player was not able to apply the finishing touch.

The Kolkata giants had a stronger end to the half as Asif found his shot saved and Dudu was unable to keep his header down from a Katsumi Yusa corner kick. Army would have been glad to hear the half-time whistle as Bagan were looking the more likely of the teams to score.

Army XI come out for the second half flying

Army, who had lost the last two matches to East Bengal and Techno Aryan by a difference of one goal, came out for the second half flying. Within four minutes of the restart, a Shadeep pass was picked up by Jain who went past four players to strike the ball beautifully with his left foot to hand Army the lead. Shilton Paul would have been disappointed to concede the goal as he was beaten on his near post.

After taking the lead, Army sat back and played on the counter, with players putting in a proper shift for their team. The Army goalkeeper, in the meanwhile, was forced into another save, this time by Katsumi Yusa.

As the game progressed, Bagan started dominating possession but were not able to create too many clear-cut chances. Bagan took off playmaker Yusa to bring on Brazillian defender Gustavo, who found the back of the net, but his goal was ruled out as the flag went up for offside.

With the win, Armi XI have risen to second on the table only a point behind leaders East Bengal but the latter have two games in hand. Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, are now a massive five points behind the leaders and will find it difficult to win the title they haven't won since 2009.

MMBLive - Final Score - Mohun Bagan 0-1 Army XI

— McDowell Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_BaganAC) August 25, 2015

Army XI 1-0 Mohun Bagan

Calcutta Football League 2015 : Goal VideoScorer : P JainTeam : Army XIOpponent : Mohun Bagan

Posted by Calcutta Football League on Tuesday, August 25, 2015