Darryl Duffy scores for the Mariners
Internet Desk: Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on the early strike from Darryl Duffy, as they settled for a 1-1 stalemate against Maldive’s Club Valencia in AFC Cup playoff South Zone game at the National Stadium in Male on Tuesday.
Scottish striker Daryll Duffy opened the scoring for the Kolkata giants as early as five minutes into the first half, thanks to a smart Prabir Das pass before the home side restored parity through a penalty by Nigerian Godfrey West Omodu on 71 minutes.
Mohun Bagan, who missed the services of key players like Sony Norde, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Pritam Kotal, Pranoy Halder, Debjit Majumder had the better of the exchanges in the first half. The hosts did showed some intent after being a goal down, but good defending from Eduardo and Anas Edathodika thwarted the chances.
Prabir Das on the right flank was excellent making some darting run to create crosses for Balwant and Duffy. Bikramjit Singh along with Katsumi held the mid-field superbly. The visitors led by a solitary goal at half time.
In the second half the team approached the game with the same intensity and created good chances. One such chance was when Duffy was given a through pass by Bikramjit Singh, but somehow the opponent defender blocked Duffy’s run.
Ten minutes into the second half, Balwant had a great chance to score after Raynier Fernandes had sent in a teasing cross from the left, but the striker’s header was straight to the home side goalkeeper.
Valencia equalised after Subhasish Bose handled the ball inside the box during the 71st minute. Nigerian Omodu made no mistake in placing the ball into the net from the spot.
According to assistant coach Shankarlal Chakraborty, “We created a lot of opportunities but failed to convert them. Nevertheless we are happy with the result as we are taking an important away point.”
On being asked whether it will be an added advantage for his side at home, Shankarlal said, “We did well to score an important away goal. The conditions were very hot and humid but our players performed well. We look to play better at home.”
Both sides will have all to play for in next week’s second leg at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata where the winner will book a spot in Group E of the AFC Cup.
Last year’s runners-up JSW Bengaluru FC of India, Maldivian champions Maziya Sports & Recreation and Abahani Limited Dhaka of Bangladesh are the direct entrants in the group.