Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Tajikistan’s FC Ravshan settled for a share of the spoils following a goalless draw in their AFC Champions League Two 2024-25 Group A tie on Wednesday, September 19, 2024, at the VYBK in Kolkata.
After a lacklustre start to the game, Ravshan began to take control with Kholmuod Nazarov’s free-kick in the 26th minute, clearing the Mohun Bagan wall only to hit the side netting.
A minute later, the Tajikistan Higher League 2023 runners-up nearly broke the deadlock when Muhammadjon Rahimov, with his left foot, forced Vishal Kaith to make a low save down his left.
The home side found it difficult to breach a resolute Ravshan with Jason Cummings and Dimitrios Petratos well marshalled by the visitor’s defence led by Samuel Ofori.
Despite being under par in the first half, Mohun Bagan’s Jose Molina resisted from making changes while his counterpart Masoud Nazarzadeh opted for two switches by sending on Kristian Mocic and Jamshed Maksumov.
After being unable to trouble Yevhen Hrytsenko in Ravshan’s goal in the opening 18 minutes of the second half, Molina thrust Liston Colaco and Lalengmawia Ralte into action off the bench.
There was a golden opportunity for Mohun Bagan to snatch a win late on after Cummings was sent through on goal, but the Australian forward’s attempt to chip was a poor one, lacking the necessary height to beat Hrytsenko as Ravshan were let off the hook.
Mohun Bagan SG will take on Islamic Republic of Iran club Tractor FC in their next ACL Two match, in two weeks’ time.
(Photo: MBSG)
(Inputs from AFC)
