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Kolkata: Mohammedan Sporting who would be facing Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan in their next match drew 1-1 against a Customs who are currently lying in the relegation zone. Losing 2 points today had made the Black Panthers to move out from the favourites spot for winning the league. To remain in the title race, Mohammedan has no other way than to defeat Mohun Bagan which has also been admitted by Coach Biswajit Bhattacharya.
Unlike other days, the Black Panthers looked sharpness after their wings and the wing-backs failed to put any mark in the game. In the 45+2 minutes of the first half, Dipanda Dicka gave his side the lead after a free kick from just outside of the box. However the lead was short-lived when Dhiman Sinha scored from 22 yards and equalized for his side. Jiten Murmu got two golden opportunities but failed to score from any of them.
Read More: What would be Mohammedan’s plan to maintain their winning streak against Customs?
Customs were denied of a penalty in the 13th minute of the game when defender Kamran Farooq handed the ball in his own box. The Customs players crowded the referee protesting to Subhankar Gharami who was present nearby. 31st minute saw a brilliant save from Customs goalie Priyam Singh of a Dicka shot.
Read More: Mohammedan Sporting official Sultan Ahmed is no more
Mohammedan players protested after the end of the game that the opposition players destroyed the spirit and beauty of the game by wasting time which is cowardly nature for any side. At the end of the game, the referee was escorted out of the field by Police protection.
“We too were denied of a penalty however it is unwise to comment about the referring standards of Bengal referees. A win today would be a perfect tribute to Sultan da, however the players tried their level best. We were in an off-form.” said Biswajit Bhattacharya.
“Not only is a win against Mohan Bagan important, with the current situation we need to win the two big games to become the champions.” said Dipendu Biswas.
A two minute silence was observed by the players who also wore Black badges as a mark of tribute for the recently demised Sultan Ahmed.