30th January 2016 – Pune, India – DSK Shivajians lost 2-0 to Mohun Bagan FC in the first Hero I-League home game, which saw plenty of attacking football from both the sides. The match, played at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune, saw the Kolkata-based side knick the victory with a goal in each half.
The match started with both teams trying to gain an upper hand in the center of the pitch, as they passed the ball around. The first real chance came in the 4th minute when home team got free-kick but Douhou's shot glided over the head of fellow attackers in the Mohun Bagan box. Home team again got a free kick when Perrick found Indrajit with a long ball, who passed the same to Douhou and gathered the return, only to be fouled.
12th minute of the match saw Mohun Bagan FC take the lead against the run of play through Sony Norde’s brilliant effort. DSK Shivajians responded immediately in the 18th minute of the match when Ralte came close to scoring for the home team with a header from a Sena freekick.
Home team had another chance after a foul on Perrick gave the home team a free kick from a promising position in the 20thminute, but the resulting Douhou shot was blocked by the wall.
Sena Ralte created yet another chance for the team in with an impressive solo run from the left flank, but his final pass was straight into the hands of the keeper. The Kolkata-based club led by 1-0 at half time.
Half time ceremony saw Shaan performing the DSK Shivajians anthem ‘Aamhi DSK Shivajians’ in front of live audience of over 4,000.
The second half saw home team dominate the early possession, however, against the balance of possession Mohun Bagan doubled their lead with another goal by Sony Norde, who took the shot from outside the box in 53rd minute of the match.
DSK Shivajians tried hard to get back in the game, as Rafi’s header came off the bar, before Douhou’s shot from the next attack went inches above the bar.
The match ended 2-0 to Mohun Bagan FC, as DSK Shivajians still wait on their first victory in the Hero I-League. The Pune-based club will now welcome Maharashtra rivals Mumbai FC to Pune for their second home match on 7th February 2016.
