ISL 2023-24: Hugo Boumous dedicates his goal and win to his wife; Coach Fernando feels they should have scored more

A second-half strike from Hugo Boumous steered Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a 1-0 win over 9-man Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL 2023-24) clash at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Wednesday.

The home team did not get off to the best of starts and their defence was all over the place. Bengaluru's Roshan Singh capitalised on it by darting into space near the opposition box in the seventh minute, but his shot failed to trouble goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Juan Ferrando's men eventually found their rhythm and began to stitch passes together to build up attacking moves. Liston Colaco had a shy at goal, but his long-range effort was off target.

Bengaluru's had a few chances but their finishing left a lot to be desired. This was seen in the 49th minute when Rohit Kumar moved into space in the attacking third and had a crack at goal, but his effort was a routine save for Kaith.

The home team began gaining control over the proceedings in the final half hour of this ISL 2023-24 match. The foreign duo of Jason Cummings and Boumous came to their side's rescue with the former getting to a loose ball and squaring off a pass that the French-Moroccan. Boumous calmly slotted past Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to put his side ahead. He dedicated this goal to his wife.

The visiting side were unable to hold on to their shape thereafter and were in all sorts of trouble when Suresh Singh Wangjam was sent off in the 75th minute for a second yellow card. Dimitri Petratos was about to embark on a potentially goal-scoring move but Suresh brought the attacker down and was subsequently shown a red card.

It got worse for Bengaluru Petratos made another run during injury time and was brought down Roshan, who also received marching orders. With only Gurpreet between the Australian striker and the goal, Roshan resorted to fouling Petratos the referee had no choice but to awad him a red card. The home side held on to its lead to clinch all three points.

Coach Juan Ferrando spoke to the media in the post match press conference where he he feels that Mohun Bagan SG should have scored more.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant Mariners will next face Chennaiyin FC in an away game on 7th in ISL 2023-24, after which they will face Maziya in the AFC Cup. Bengaluru FC will play their first home game of the season when they host East Bengal FC on October 4.