CALCUTTA (India): Papa Babacar Diawara scored a brace as Mohun Bagan maintained their lead at the I-League table with a 3-2 win over defending champions Chennai City on Friday.
Diawara scored a brace (27th min, 49’) while Francisco Martinez (29’) netted the other for Bagan.
Vijay N (60’) and Jishnu (69’) reduced the margin for the hosts.
Goals from Diawara and Francisco saw the visitors take a 2-0 lead at the half-time while Chennai did well to try and effect a comeback, but they were let down by poor finishing.
After going into the interval with a two-goal deficit, Chennai came back in fine fashion and struck two stunning second-half goals but it wasn’t enough.
The victory consolidates Mohun Bagan’s position on the top with 23 points from 10 games while Chennai remains ninth.
The first quarter belonged to Bagan as they piled the pressure on Chennai defence and created three fine chances.
Diwara rose above his marker to head in Betia’s cross for Bagan’s first goal in the 27th minute.
Betia floats in another teasing cross from the right two minutes later, and this time Francisco heads home.
Bagan added their third in the 49th minute when Diawara slotted the ball home after Francisco released a through ball for the Senegalese international.
Francisco and Diawara continue to be at their lethal best, with the Chennai City defenders struggling to contain them.
Chennai City took off Muzangu, who looked really impressive, for Vijay N in the 60th minute.
The decision paid off as Vijay unleashed a belter of a strike to make it 3-1 in 65th minute. It’s a great piece of skill as he made room for himself and let one rip from distance to beat Bagan keeper Sankar Roy.
Four minutes later, Jishnu’s piledriver from some 40 yards out stunned Bagan defence as Chennai looked dangerous.
There was a renewed sense of purpose in Chennai City’s game as the reigning champions threw men forward in search of that much-needed equalizer.
