KOLKATA (India): Munmun Lugun scored a late goal as Mohammedan Sporting overcame Garhwal Heroes in I-League Qualifiers 2020 at Kalyani Stadium on Thursday.
Lugun found the target in the 90’+3′ minute which helped the century-old club notch up full points as football returned to action since the Covid-19 outbreak in March.
“It was our first match post COVID. We were a bit unlucky but hopefully, we take it forward from here,” said Mohammedan Sporting head coach Yan Law.
“It’s not a heart-break for Garhwal FC. We have learnt a lot and now, we’ll try to implement those lessons on the training pitch,” said Garhwal coach Vikas Rawat.
In another match played at the Salt Lake Stadium, Bhawanipore FC beat FC Bengaluru United 2-0.
Bhawanipore took the lead in the final minute of first-half added time through Pankaj Moula.
The local side doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Philip Adjah beat Bengaluru skipper Rana Gharami with a powerful volley.
Bhawanipore head coach Shankarlal Chakraborty showed his tactical acumen, starting with a three-man defence which withstood a bright start by Bengaluru.
Richard Hood’s team put their opponents under pressure with good movement around the penalty box but were unable to find that final touch to show for all their effort.
The first clear-cut opportunity fell to FC Bengaluru United in the 21st minute when Bhawanipore custodian Shilton Paul came flying off his line to punch clear a corner but couldn’t connect cleanly.
Bengaluru failed to punish the mistake as Azharuddin Mallick, with very little time to react, was only able to head over the bar. (Source: AIFF)
