Sony Norde scored one and set up another for Darryl Duffy as Mohun Bagan registered a 2-1 (4-2 aggregate) victory over Colombo FC. The win takes them one step further in their bid to secure qualification for the AFC Cup.
Here are the five talking points from the game:
#1 Shouvik Ghosh passes test with flying colours
The game saw far too many players parked in the middle of the field. Bagan were intent on keeping the visitors at bay and thus, most of Colombo’s attack, particularly in the first half, stemmed from the right wing. Bagan’s left back, Shouvik Ghosh had an extremely busy night. The men in yellow attempted to gang up on the 24-year-old but failed miserably.
Ghosh was calm and composed and rarely put a foot wrong. Unlike his fellow full-back Souvik Chakraborty, the right back was far more adventurous going forward. As a result, his flank seemed a tad open on a couple of occasions. But Ghosh ensured he contributed well in attack.
He whipped in some dangerous crosses and combined well with Sony Norde down the right. His team-mates shored up the back and ensured he could maraud forward without thinking twice. Ghosh also made an important goal-line clearance in the second half.
#2 Super Sony a king on the left wing
As the line ups were announced, there was one name in particular that every single Bagan fan was keen on seeing. Having suffered a knee injury last week, ace winger, Sony Norde wasn’t expected to feature tonight. But the Haitian surprisingly started the game. He wasn’t the most active player on the pitch initially but like all quality players, Norde showed why he doesn’t need too many opportunities to come to life.
The well-taken goal buoyed his confidence as his influence on the game grew by the minute. His control on the ball was immaculate and he put on a show for the crowd with this nutmegs and feints.
The Haitian went on a dizzying solo run from the left wing before feeding Darryl Duffy for the second goal. The ambidextrous Sony clearly proved to be the difference on a night when his side needed him to deliver. Tonight, the left wing belonged only to one man.
#3 No number of visas could have helped Colombo FC
The Sri Lankan outfit had a topsy-turvy week, to say the least. Having produced a promising first leg performance, they ended that match with nothing to show for. They were always in with a chance, though, considering the fact that they took the game to Bagan in that exciting first leg.
Tonight, it was the opposite. Colombo were lucky to not lose by a heavier margin. Their attack lacked vision while their midfield wasn’t penetrative enough. The visitors came out 2nd best in every single department and were punished for their reserved approach to the tie.
Centre back, Nasiru Opeyemi, midfielder Seka Jean Yapo and forward, Afeez Olofin – all three, who played a crucial role in the first leg, were destined not to travel with the team. As fate would have it, their visas were issued just in time as they landed in Kolkata on Tuesday morning.
While they successfully secured their visas, Colombo couldn’t muster up the drive and determination, paramount in a do or die leg.
#4 Bikramjit Singh Jr. and Anas Edathodika rock solid at the back
The sight of watching a central defender executing a tackle to perfection is unparalleled. Bikramjit and Anas took turns to display their capabilities. With full back, Shouvik Ghosh in an adventurous mood, both the centre backs made up for his absence at the back.
At times, they had to move out of position to close down the open spaces on the left flank. Afeez Olofin was the sole figure who posed a threat to Bagan’s centre backs. But Singh and Anas made some incredible last ditch tackles to keep the Nigerian at bay.
The duo was disciplined and adopted a no-nonsense approach. Their positioning was on point and they didn’t dwell on the ball for long, releasing it whenever an option presented itself. It meant Colombo had to take to the wings to orchestrate their attacks, an area where they couldn’t make the most of their opportunities.
#5 Tepid Colombo lacked endeavour
“Colombo FC might not have many options other than attack because they are trailing 2-1.” While Mohun Bagan coach, Sanjoy Sen was expecting an ultra-attacking Colombo, what transpired was almost the opposite as the visitors rarely displayed intent on the pitch. Their passes were wayward, and as a result, they found themselves chasing the match on far too many occasions.
When Colombo attempted to play on the counter, their options were sparse. On one occasion, their keeper attempted to help his side break on the counter attack. To his surprise, he was surrounded by seven of his own players while Afeez Olofin cut an isolated figure in Bagan’s half.
On paper, it looked like coach, Roomy Hassan had fielded an attacking 11. But his players faltered on crucial occasions. A combination of failing to trap and connect with the ball in dangerous areas, proved to be their undoing on the night.
