Internet Desk: Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan did not have the greatest of starts to their I League campaign as they were held 1-1 by Minerva Punjab FC at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana. A late strike from Moinuddin denied the Mariners a golden opportunity to come out with flying colours after they took lead through their inspirational captain Sony Norde in the first half.
Minerva Punjab looked more dominating in the first half and kept most of the possession. Mohun Bagan on the other hand were more alert and played with caution. All the attack of Minerva came from the left flank in the early moments where Bhutanese forward Chencho tried to break up the Mohun Bagan defence multiple times but failed each time.
Sony Norde had a good opportunity to give the away side a lead in 29 th minute but his free-kick just missed the left corner of goal post. It was Norde who gave Mariners the lead from a sheer moment of brilliance against the run of play in 42 nd minute. Norde received the ball just ahead of the central defenders, he quickly dribbled the ball to the left beating Dano with his pace before slotting the ball in the bottom left corner.
Mohun Bagan led by 1-0 at half time.
As soon as the second half began there was sense of urgency in Minerva Punjab’s attack. Half-time substitute Lago who came in place of Japanese Toshiya was the centre of action. First he missed an open chance created by Girik Khosla after a goal line clearance by Mohun Bagan defence and then moments later he hit the post from the corner in 58 th minute.
Sony Norde created another goal scoring opportunity in 63 rd minute but second half substitute Faiaz couldn’t connect to his low cross in front of the empty net. This missed opportunity came to haunt Mohun Bagan later on in the game when Minerva’s second half substitute Moinuddin scored a volley in the 89 th minute to level the match. Moinuddin quickly moved away from his marker struck the ball sweetly into the bottom left side of the net.
Both teams observed a minutes silence before the game in memory of the former All India Football Federation President Shri P.R. Dasmunsi, who passed away recently.