CFL 2019: Kromah’s brace helps Peerless to stun defending champions Mohun Bagan in the opening game

Kolkata: Liberian forward Ansumana Kromah’s brace helped Peerless to beat Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan 0-3 in the opening match of Calcutta Football League on Monday.

Playing their first match at home, Mohun Bagan were in for a jolt when their former Liberian striker Kromah gave Peerless a 21st minute lead from a through ball.

Peerless virtually killed the contest in front of the dismayed Mohun Bagan fans, when they scored two goals in space of a minute with Kromah completing his brace to produce a stunning upset.

Fresh from producing a fine display under the bar in their 2-0 win over Mohammedan Sporting in the Durand Cup opener, Shilton Paul looked out of sorts, especially when Peerless scored the second and third goals.

Kromah was once again in the centre of action when he set up the second goal from left flank with Laxmi Kanta Mandi netting home past an out of place Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Paul.

Paul once again was caught off guard whe the Liberian slotted the ball into an open net to give Mohun Bagan’s new Spanish coach Kibu Vicuna a wake-up call at home ground.

Mohun Bagan also won a penalty in the stoppage time but an alert Peerless goalkeeper James Kithan easily thwarted Salva Chamorro’s spot kick.