Mohun Bagan SG held to 2-2 draw against Bashundhara Kings | AFC Cup 2023-24

Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bashundhara Kings played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the third matchday of the 2023-24 AFC Cup on Tuesday, October 24. Although Mohun Bagan took the lead on two separate occasions, Bashundhara Kings managed to rally back each time, ultimately earning a valuable point.

The Mariners entered this match in superb form, having won their last ten games on the trot. On the other hand, Bashundhara Kings had a mixed start to their AFC Cup campaign, securing one victory and suffering one loss.

As expected, Mohun Bagan started the game with an attacking approach, but it unfolded cautiously, with the Kings restricting their progress into the final third. Following a first quarter in which the home team struggled to create significant inroads, they eventually found their rhythm and broke the deadlock in the 29th minute.

A brilliant pass from Hugo Boumous found Jason Cummings in a dangerous position, and he set up his strike partner, Dimitri Petratos, who scored.

However, just as Mohun Bagan began dictating the proceedings, they were caught off-guard on the break, and Bashundhara leveled the scores just four minutes after the Mariners scored.

Robinho found space in midfield and delivered a pinpoint pass to Dori, who beat Brendan Hamill and slotted the ball past a helpless Vishal Kaith. This goal appeared to boost the confidence of the Bangladeshi champions, who began posing problems.

Robinho came close to scoring in the 35th minute, with his powerful long-range attempt striking the post and deflecting out of play. The game became an end-to-end affair towards the end of the half, featuring attempts by Miguel Ferreira and Asish Rai, who came close to scoring.

As the half-time whistle blew, the scores were level, despite both sides having clear-cut chances to take the lead.

Bashundhara Kings hold firm in the second half to secure a point against Mohun Bagan SG

Bashundhara Kings picked up where they left off in the second half, persistently targeting Mohun Bagan on the counter-attack. They hit the post yet again, with Dori’s shot narrowly missing its mark.

The Mariners capitalized on the Kings’ missed opportunity and took the lead in the 54th minute. Miguel Ferreira was guilty of losing possession in midfield, and when Mohun Bagan regained possession, Petratos set up Asish Rai, who thumped the ball into the back of the net.

Nonetheless, this setback didn’t deter Bashundhara Kings, who stayed in the game and remained competitive. Their determination paid off as they scored their second equalizer with 20 minutes of regulation time remaining.

Robinho, who consistently troubled Asish Rai, skillfully wriggled past the right-back but appeared to be fouled in the penalty box. The referee pointed to the spot, and Robinho himself stepped up to take the penalty, calmly slotting the ball past Kaith.

The final quarter of the game lacked quality, as both teams seemed content with a point. Mohun Bagan SG maintain their lead in the group with seven points, while Bashundhara Kings hold the second position with four points to their name.