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Sony Norde‘s brace, Katsumi Yusa’s header, and Bikramjit Singh’s late goal ensured three crucial points for Mohun Bagan at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata. The away side took an early lead through Captain Sunil Chhetri’s header in the 8th minute. Sony Norde restored parity in the 30th minute. The Haitian international completed his brace in the 76th minute and Yusa rounded off the scoring to earn a much-needed and deserved victory for his team.
Both the teams approached the game with an attacking mindset. Bengaluru FC looked better in the initial stages. They were looking a much more composed side and controlled the game in the midfield. Talented midfielder from Shillong, Eugeneson Lyngdoh created a brilliant move down the right flank dribbling past Dhanachandra Singh and placed a well measured cross for his Captain who guided the ball into the back of the net with an easy header.
Since the goal Mohun Bagan came back strongly and attacked more. Haitian international Sony Norde, who was criticized a lot before this match for his selfish approach, prove to be a lime wire in the left wing position. Mohun Bagan pressed hard on the Bengaluru FC defence and slowly took the grip of the match in their hands.
Around the 30th-minute mark, Sony Norde scored the equaliser taking advantage of a misunderstanding between the BFC defense and goalkeeper. Keegan Perreira back passed a ball to Lalthuama Ralte who in return passed it towards John Johnson. The English center back misjudged the pace of the pass and fumbled on the edge of the box. Norde intercepted the ball and calmly found the back of the net.
It was all Mohun Bagan after the equalizer
After the equalizing goal, the home team looked more dangerous and desperate. Around the 40th-minute mark Mohun Bagan’s marquee player, Pierre Boya brilliantly dribbled past and couple of defenders inside the penalty box and passed it towards Balwant Singh. Unfortunately, Singh was caught offside.
In the second half too, Mohun Bagan looked more dangerous and desperate to seek a goal. The visitors on the other hand seemed to have content with a draw.
Sony Norde attempted a curling free-kick. Katsumi Yusa could have finished the move in style, had he been more agile on the field. But, unfortunately the ball went wide the goal post.
The Haitian finally gave his team him the much-awaited lead in the 76th minute. Bikramjit Singh and Sony Norde played superb passing football in the midfield. Bikramjit generated a through ball for Norde who ran down the flank and placed the ball beyond the reach of Ralte.
The home team increased the lead in the 86th minute. Pierre Boya passed a ball towards Sony Norde. Norde beat his marker with a brilliant turn and crossed the ball towards to Katsumi. The Japanese scored from a good header.
Talented Indian midfielder, Bikramjit Singh hammered the last nail in Bengaluru FC’s coffin in the inury time. He attempted a long ranger from outside the penalty box. Ralte was at fault who failed to grip the ball properly and it entered the goal.
