Kolkata: It was a historical moment for Mohun Bagan as they managed to organize first I league match in their home ground. Fans came up in numbers to celebrate this special occasion before the New Year eve. But, in the end it wasn’t a conducive appearance for the Mariners as they drew 1-1 against ten men Indian Arrows.
Home team faced the future of Indian football Indian Arrows the team which has U-17 and U-19 footballers in their squad. Mariners got an early chance in 17th minute Avisekh Das played a beautiful cross to Khomah but he failed to score. Bagan forward got another chance which was saved by Dheeraj in 20th minute.
Marieners got penalty in the 24th minute as Nikhil Kadam brought down by Asish Rai in the six yard box and awarded the penalty. Dicka scored from the spot kick the right footed shot went to the left corner while Dheeraj remain in the wrong side. Arrows hit back just after six minute after conceding goal and it was the brilliance of Rahim Ali former Mohun Bagan player as he crossed the ball to Rahul Balan to score the equaliser.
Dheeraj made some mistakes but managed the situation well as he failed to grab a very regulation ball in 43rd minute. At the edge of the first half home side got another chance as Raynier Fernandez passed a delightful ball to Kromah who managed to touch it but Dheeraj saved brilliantly.
At the start of the second half away team Captain Amarjit Kiyam got marching order for tripping Raynier as he was already yellow carded earlier he fouled Nikhil Kadam and got the first warning. Kadam’s corner has been headed towards Dheeraj by the hero of the Kolkata Derby, Kingsley but it was easy collection for Dheeraj. Mohun Bagan needs to make the most of these set-piece opportunities.
Arrows became ten men Manandip got yellow card in the 70th minute as he fouled Ashish Rai. Manandeep Singh found space in the box and shoots from inches away but that misses the bar and goes into the orbit. Mohun Bagan has failed to convert a lot of such chances in the match. Dheeraj, Arrows goalkeeper awarded hero of the match for his brilliant save though he was a bit sloppy at the start. Dicka awarded a free kick went just inches higher of the cross bar.
Arrows, future of Indian football played courageous football as they were ten men against mighty Kolkata Giant and managed to draw the match. Bagan supporters shown a very good gesture as they encouraged the young Arrows players and Mohun Bagan finally successfully organised the match peacefully.