On Monday, Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG) hosted the Durand Cup 2024 NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) champions at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Kirangan, Kolkata. This was the replay of the Durand Cup final where the visitors won their first silverware in the club’s history. The Highlanders entered the game after winning their first match against other Kolkata Giants Mohammedan Sporting Club.
The Green and Maroon in their first game were 2-0 ahead against Mumbai City FC. However, the game ended in a 2-2 draw questioning the tactics of their Spanish coach Jose Molina. The ISL Shield Winners dismally started the match. They were 0-1 down within the first four minutes of the game after Mohammed Ali Bemammer broke the deadlock. However, the side pulled an equaliser in the 10th minute with their young center-back Dipendu Biswas scoring his first ISL goal.
The home side looked fragile against the counterattacks and Juan Pedro Benali’s side took advantage of the same as they scored their second from a brilliant counterattack move with Alaeddine Ajaraie giving the lead back to the visitors in the 24th minute. The first half ended with the home side trailing. Molina was under real pressure after the first 45 minutes of the game.
Jason Cummings saves Jose Molina
However, the game changed with their captain Subhashis Bose scoring a controversial equaliser after the ball spilled from Gurmeet Singh’s hand the video footage clearly showed that he stamped on the goalkeeper’s hand to roll the ball inside the net. The game was end-to-end after that MBSG increased the pressure. Thus they were rewarded with Jason Cummings turned out to be their super sub scoring the all-important winner of the match in the dying minutes.
Did the Australian save the job of their manager? Yes, Molina has been under huge pressure and has been criticised by the fans. The side has conceded in almost every game they have played this season. It has been a concern for the side with the defense has conceded 11 goals in their last six games. The fans are not happy with Molina despite the win.
