Xtra Time Web Desk: It was a dominating second half display from ATK Mohun Bagan against Maziya R&SC as the Mariners registered a terrific comeback win in Group D match at Male on Saturday. The 3-1 win saw ATK Mohun Bagan go on top of Group D, two points clear of Bangladesh’s Basundhara Kings. With only one team qualifying from Group D, the Green and Maroon will need just a draw against the Bangladesh side to seal a place in the next stage.
ATK Mohun Bagan’s Spanish coach Antonio Habas has made it clear that they will not go for a draw against Basundhara, but will go for a win.
“Now we have six points. No other team has that. If we make a draw, we have a chance to go to the next round. But we are not thinking about the draw. The boys will play the next match to win because it is another important match against an unknown opponent. So, there is no chance to enter the field thinking of anything other than winning. Bashundhara is a very good team. We have to give the team more importance,” said Habas to ATK Mohun Bagan media after the match.
The Spanish coach gave a day off to the entire team. Talking about the match against the Maziya, Habas said, “We did not play our own game in the first half. Maziya has fought neck to neck against us. They also got a goal. But after coming back to the dressing room in the second half we changed strategy. We brought some changes to the team. That’s why the match came in our hands. You will see that my boys have played two types of football in two halves if you notice. I am proud of the boys.”
Hugo Boumous did not start in the match against Maziya. Habas clarified the reason why he took such a decision.
“It is sweltering here. The soil in the field is hard. So, I am making the footballers play with some rest. We have to play two matches in six days. We have to play Matches every two days and that’s why Hugo Boumous and some footballers are playing after getting rest,” said Habas.
Mariner’s goal machine Roy Krishna was once again on target against Maziya. The Fizian striker has scored in both the group league matches so far. He could have had one if it was not cancelled for off-side. He is still very upset as he considers it was a genuine goal.
“My goal, which was cancelled for offside. It was a legal goal in my opinion. However, the decision of the referee is final. We have a lot of good footballers on our team. Our attacking line is effective enough. We showed that in the second half. We played our own game. This is the real character of our team, the mentality of fighting till the last minute. We have to maintain that in the last match of the group as well.”