Kolkata: Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant staged a dominant comeback to thrash Mohammedan Sporting 5-1 after conceding an early goal in their Indian Super League match at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, while Inter Kashi registered their first-ever top-tier victory later in the day with a 2-1 win over Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi.
Mohammedan stunned the defending champions when Lalthankima put them ahead in the 12th minute, but Bagan responded in style with five goals to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Brazilian forward Robson struck twice in quick succession in the 22nd and 27th minutes to turn the game around. Jamie Maclaren extended the lead in the 35th minute, while Manvir Singh added the fourth in the 62nd minute. Dimitri Petratos completed the rout with a stunning long-range strike in the 70th minute.
The only concern for Bagan came just before half-time when Robson picked up a muscle injury and had to be replaced by Petratos.
Head coach Sergio Lobera said the extent of the injury will be known after assessment.
“It is too early to say what the situation is. We will check him on Sunday or Monday. Hopefully he will be fit for the next match,” Lobera said.
Robson, who was named Player of the Match, sounded confident about his recovery.
“I think I will be better and 100 per cent fit for the next game,” he said.
With the win, Mohun Bagan moved to the top of the 14-team table with nine points from three matches, ahead of Jamshedpur FC on goal difference. Bagan will next face Odisha FC on March 6.
Inter Kashi beat Kerala Blasters 2-1 in Kochi
In the other match of the day, Inter Kashi secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, registering their first win in the top tier of Indian football.
Nauris Petkevicius gave the visitors the lead in the 34th minute after being set up by Alfred Planas, finishing with a powerful strike past the goalkeeper.
Kerala Blasters tried to respond after the break and created several chances, but Inter Kashi goalkeeper Lluis Tarres made crucial saves to keep his side ahead.
Inter Kashi doubled their lead in the 78th minute when Petkevicius turned provider, setting up Planas, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
The home side pulled one back in the 84th minute through Victor Bertomeu, who produced an acrobatic finish from close range, but Inter Kashi defended resolutely in the closing minutes to seal a historic victory and move up to sixth in the standings.
Source: Telegraph India, Asianet Newsable
Photo credit: ISL/X
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