MOHUN BAGAN BEATEN BY AL-KARAMAH

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Mohun Bagan lost 1-0 to Al-Karamah after putting up a brave fight. Really this is indeed an impressive performance against a team which has played final of AFC Champions league few seasons back, the team also has 9 National team players. Unfortunately, dead ball specialist Marcos missed a penalty which proved quite costly for the team; however, this is part of the game and we know in the past, players like Maradona, Zico, Beckham had failed to convert from spot kick. Next practice session of Mohun Bagan, Saturday 8.30 am, Mohun Bagan ground.

The 1st half was dominated by the Mohun Bagan Team. Initial 10 minutes both teams tried to measure each other. In 20th minute, Tulunga failed to score with the goalkeeper at his mercy. Goalkeeper Balhous made another save to deny Baichung Bhutia in the 31st minute. In 42nd minute, Rakesh Masih’s long ranger parried off by a diving GK for a corner but Mohun Bagan was awarded a penalty after Bhutia was fouled by Cameroonian defender Richard Bohomo. However, Marcos failed to score as his shot is blocked by a diving GK who anticipates correctly. Just before half time, Rakesh Masih tried another long ranger which narrowly missed target. First half score read 0-0.
 
 
                          
 

The second half started with both teams on a positive note. However, against run of play, Mohammed Al Hamwi’s shot beats Sangram to put Al Karamah 1-0 up in 59th minute. Therefater, Al Karamah started to dominate proceedings. Mariners tries to equalise but good defending by the Syrian team prevented this. Sangram had a great day under the bar pulling off several brillinat saves in the second half. Mohanraj and Tulunga were shown yellow card during the match. The hosts continued to apply the pressure in the closing minutes with Mukherjee stopping efforts by Iyad Mando and Tamer Haj Mohamad while Al Hamwi had an effort cleared off the line by Lalramluaha. Mohanraj and Tulunga were shown yellow card during the match.

POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE

Mohamad Kwid’s pre-match predictions that former AFC Champions League finalists Al Karama would not breeze through the AFC Cup were proven right on Tuesday as the Kuwait League champions edged past India’s Mohun Bagan by a solitary goal.

Mohamad Al Hamwi scored on the hour mark, but only after Mohun Bagan’s Brazilian midfielder Marcos Pereira missed a penalty late in the first half.

“Mohun Bagan were an organised side and they played well. I watched their recent matches and knew that they would be dangerous,” said Kwid, who guided Al Karama to the 2006 Champions League final.

“Mohun Bagan had a golden chance to take the lead through the spot kick and things would have been harder had they scored."

“We had a lot of chances to score in the second half but the Indian goalkeeper played well.”

Mohun Bagan’s Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa was pleased and refused to dwell on the missed penalty.

“Al Karama are a well known for their Asian experience,” he said. “We played against a good side and their fans played a big part."

“We had a chance to take the lead from a spot kick but this doesn’t mean we could have secured the win. I’m satisfied with the performance.”


Mohun Bagan: Sangram, Mohanraj, Manju, Odafe, Rahul (Dipak 82), Ishfaq (James Singh Sr. 83), Masih, Marcos (Branco 80), Tulunga, Lalramluah, Baichung.

COURTESY: Prince Rufus, Media officer of Mohun Bagan club in AFC Cup and www.the-afc.com

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