Kolkata, Jan 2 (NationPress) Mohun Bagan Super Giant commenced the New Year with a decisive 3-0 triumph over Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Thursday. Jose Molina’s squad displayed aggressive play and took the lead thanks to an own goal from Stefan Sapic, followed by a magnificent goal from Tom Aldred in the first half. Early in the second half, Jason Cummings netted the third goal, solidifying their position with a total of 10 wins this season.
The Mariners kicked off the match with fervor, aiming to advance the ball at every chance. Their high-intensity play left Hyderabad FC struggling to keep pace during the opening moments. The hosts were rewarded for their vigorous start in the ninth minute when they took the lead due to an own goal by Stefan Sapic. This move was initiated by Subhasish Bose, who sent Liston down the right flank. The winger found Sahal Abdul Samad with a delightful cross in the penalty area. However, the Hyderabad FC goalkeeper, Arshdeep Singh, failed to secure the subsequent effort cleanly, resulting in an unfortunate deflection off Sapic that crossed the line.
Just a minute later, Ramhlunchhunga nearly equalized, testing Vishal Kaith from close range. Kaith struggled initially but managed to collect the ball on his second attempt. In the 17th minute, Jamie Maclaren sought to extend the lead during a fast break, combining effectively with his fellow countryman Cummings. In a one-on-one situation with only Arshdeep to beat, Maclaren's shot hit the post before going out.
The Mariners continued to seek a second goal, finding ample space in Hyderabad FC's final third. Their persistence paid off in the 41st minute when Aldred doubled the advantage with a diving header from Liston’s precise cross. This goal marked Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s 15th set-piece goal of the season, initiated from a corner taken by Sahal.
Continuing their dominance into the second half, Cummings found the net again in the 51st minute. He skillfully brought down a long pass from the right flank and set up Maclaren in space. The Australian returned the favor, allowing Cummings to finish with a first-time shot, beating Arshdeep decisively. In response, Hyderabad FC’s interim head coach Shameel Chembakath made three substitutions, introducing Ayush Adhikari, Muhammed Rafi, and Allan Paulista to replace Joseph Sunny, Ramhlunchhunga, and Andrei Alba.
Rafi nearly made an immediate impact with a long-range shot that tested Kaith, who dropped the ball initially but secured it on his second attempt. With Allan and Edmilson Correia on the field, Hyderabad FC managed to create opportunities, but the Mariners' defense stood firm. In the 78th minute, Jose Molina made tactical changes, bringing on Greg Stewart and Abhishek Suryavanshi for Cummings and Anirudh Thapa. Shortly after, Liston skillfully maneuvered past several defenders and fired a shot that was parried away by Arshdeep, but the Mariners maintained control until the final whistle.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant is set to face East Bengal FC in the Kolkata Derby on January 11, while Hyderabad FC will head to Goa to take on FC Goa on January 8.
