KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan SG moved a step closer to the AFC Cup group stage, overcoming the challenge of Nepalese side Machhindra FC 3-1 in the second preliminary round of their qualifying campaign at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday.
Australian World Cupper Jason Cummings opened his account in the green-and-maroon jersey since joining the squad last month but Juan Ferrando’s team owed the victory to the wise head on Anwar Ali’s young shoulders.
The India defender rose to the occasion twice, heading in the 38th minute and 87th minute, and taking reigning ISL champions closer to the continental tournament’s group stage for the season running.
In the AFC Cup playoff, Mohun Bagan will take on Bangladesh’s Abahani Limited, who beat Maldives’ Eagles 2-1 in the other second-round qualifier, held in Sylhet earlier in the day. The playoff will be held at the Salt lake Stadium next Tuesday.
Coming into the game on the back of a defeat against East Bengal in the Durand Cup, Ferrando’s team needed a quick solace from the AFC Cup challenge. And they went about it in earnest and since Ashique Kuruniyan’s goal-bound attempt in the very first minute, they never looked back.
Machhindra goalkeeper and captain Bishal Shrestha tried to keep his team in the fray with some smart saves, but he could do nothing when Anwar leapt up to meet Hugo Boumous’ corner with a perfect header.
In the second half, Shrestha produced two more interventions, denying Kuruniyan and Manvir Singh. But Cummings soon came calling, receiving the ball from Anirudh Thapa and doubled the lead with a smart finish on the hour mark.
Machhindra, so far the second best side, threatened to provide a twist to the plot when Messuoke Oloumou sent his freekick in past Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to make it 1-2 in the 77th minute.
But Anwar rose to the occasion again, this time beating Machhindra keeper with another header following a freekick from Dimitri Petratos.
