Kinshuk Debnath scored the lone goal to guide Mohun Bagan to a 1-0 win over Shillong Lajong to end their campaign on a happy note in an inconsequential Group B league match of the 36th Hero Federation Cup football tournament at Tilak Stadium in Vasco on Tuesday.
The all important goal was scored by defender Debnath following a free-kick taken by Sony Norde in the 74th minute.
Bagan finished their league engagement with five points from four matches. Shillong Lajong drew a blank from the four matches played.
Bagan started brightly and created numerous scoring changes with Yusa Katsumi, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Sony Norde failing to cash in on the chances that came their way. They could have easily led by four goals by half time.
Bagan also missed a penalty after Jeje's feeble shot was saved by rival keeper Vishal Kaith who was largely responsible for keeping the slate clean in the first half.
Luck also was not in Bagan's favour as woodwork twice came in their way twice. Sony Norde's try from top of the box and Kinshuk Dednath header hit the cross bar.
Lajong defence did well with Airbor Khongjee standing tall to thwart rival moves and looking to attack on the counter and nearly succeeded on a couple of occasions but Shilton Paul did well to make saves from David Ngaiate and Rupert Nogrum.
Bagan continued to press for a goal after the break and Sony Norde along with Jeje were on target in quick succession but rival keeper Vishal did well to frustrate them until Debnath finally scored in the 74th minute.
Lajong ’keeper Vishal spilled the ball from a free kick taken by Sony Norde to give Mohun Bagan their first win and end their campaign on a winning note.
Later, three goals in the space of 25 second-half minutes turned a cliffhanger Group A encounter on its head as last year’s finalists Sporting Clube de Goa reined in East Bengal’s one-goal lead in the first half to win 4-3 and enter the semi-finals in a rip-roaring tie at the Nehru Stadium in Margao.
Hat-trick man Victorino Fernandes scored either side of first-half strikes from East Bengal’s Ranty Martins (penalty), Dudu Omagbemi, and Shylo Malsawmtulunga to help the Goans comeback to win 4-3.
After the local outfit had taken a first-minute lead courtesy Victorino, Anthony Wolfe had reduced the arrears in first-half stoppage time when the score read 3-1.
As per the mathematics, the winner of this match would make the last-four at the cost of the other with a draw helping Raoyal Wahingdoh sniff a chance if they defeated Dempo on Wednesday.
Courtesy the hattrick, Victorino is now the highest scorer in the competition with five goals to his name in four matches.
Image: Mohun Bagan and Shilong Lajong players in action during their Federation Cup match at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, Goa on Tuesday
Photograph: PTI
