AFC Cup 2023-24: Bashundhara still unbeaten in Dhaka; top of the AFC Cup group after 2-1 win over Mohun Bagan

Bashundahra Kings kept their winning run at Kings Arena as the champions of India were defeated by 2-1 in Dhaka. Liston Colaco netted the first goal for Mohun Bagan but Bashundhara earned full three points after Miguel Figueira and Robson scored for the home team. After four games in group-D of AFC Cup 2023, Bashundhara Kings with 7 points are leading the group.

Bashundhara Kings started the match on a great note with some back-to-back attacks on Mohun Bagan defense as Hector Yuste and company were put under pressure from the first minute of the game. However, things started setteling in for the champions of India as the game progressed.

Then, it was Mohun Bagan who drew the first blood as Liston Colaco converted a volley into a goal; in the 17th minute of the game. One could listen to a pin drop at Kings Arena as Colaco and company celebrated the goal.

Also Read: AFC Cup 2023-24: Basundhara Kings vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant Highlights | Basundhara Kings defeat Mohun Bagan Super Giant by 2-1 to clinch the top spot of the Group D table

It was Jason Cummings whose shot was partially saved by Srabon and the deflected ball went straight to Liston just outside the box. Liston the volleyed the ball straight into the net for the first goal for Mohun Bagan.

Although Mohun Bagan enjoyed the next twenty minutes with positions; Bashundhara looked threatening with counterattacks. Then, just before the half-time whistle, it was Bashundhara Kings' time to celebrate. It was Didier who found the space from a cross by Rakib on the right flank. Miguel then finished the job with one of the beautiful goals you will ever see. A left footer curve straight into the left corner of the net as Bashundhara got back into the game.

Bashundhara started the second half from where they finished off in the first half. Attacks after attack from the home team, but without any result. Meanwhile, the ground did not look the best ground to play a tournament like AFC Cup, Mohun Bagan players struggled to be on the ground.

Bashundhara Kings nearly had got the lead as Robson's shot from right of the box was deflected by the left bar. The game continued with tensions for both the teams, but none could trouble the scorers.

The home team had to wait for the 80th minute of the game until captain Robson scored from the box to give them the lead. Mohun Bagan defenders looked helpless in the defense as Bashundhara Kings literally played a one-two-pass before Robson netted the ball.

Jason Cummings had netted the ball for an equaliser but denied due to an off-side flag from the linesman. Mohun Bagan post the goal, tried to match the intensity of the Bashundhara Kings, but they failed to do so.

The game ended controversially as the referee ended the game after five minutes although more than two minutes of the added five minutes were wasted by Bashundhara Kings' players. At the ned of the game, Mohun Bagan coach Juan Ferrando was seen having some words with the referee, but they had left the ground with a 2-1 loss against their name.

Mohun Bagan Coach Juan Ferrando after the match: "It is tough to play at this ground. Obviously, it is difficult because everybody knows the ground is not in good condition to play here. But, okay, for us, the most important is try to learn and improve."

On the ground conditions, Juan Ferrando said, "The ground condition is worst. That's all. The extra time for me was incredible. For me these are not excuses. For me, in this competition, it is incredible that in this condition, if they accept to play here, that's all, we come here and play."

On leaving Dimitri Petratos coach Juna Ferrando without revaling the exact reasons, he said that he was not 100% fit for the match; so he could not use him even as a substitue.

AFC Cup group D Points table after Bashundhara Kings vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant match