Mohun Bagan Super Giant launched their campaign with an extremely tough 4-2 win over Gokulam Kerala FC, in a throbbing opener to the Hero Super Cup, at the legendary Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
The game, which was attended by an ecstatic crowd of upwards of 45,000 rabid Green and Maroon fans, was a display of the disparity in the status between the ISL champions and the rough I-League competitors, but it was not a rubber-stamp performance. Goals by Jason Cummings, Sahal Abdul Samad and a brace by the in-form Liston Colaco ensured the Mariners would sail through the goal even as the Malabarians had made a spirited attempt at a comeback.
The inaugural club knockout series of India, the Super Cup, which pits together the ISL and I-League champions, is the event that is always full of fireworks, and this was a match with fireworks in abundance. As outright contenders, Mohun Bagan came into the tournament, which had just begun, with a decisive group stage performance in the ACL Two just a month ago.
With Antonio Habas in charge, the team has become a well-oiled machine with Australian firepower and Indian flair. Gokulam Kerala with the ever-green Alfredo Alfonso at the helm came in without anything to hold on as they are boosted by their recent I-League strength where they are at position three out of five games.
Pre-Match Buzz: High Expectations in City of Joy
This was an electric lead-up to a fence. The recent 2-1 victory of Mohun Bagan over Ahal FK in the AFC Champions League Two on September 16 was the buzz of the city, with the fans dreaming of a continental double.
No cup victory was far off the stranger of Gokulam, who were crowned Super Cup champions in 2022, and they intended to ruin the party. Compete, not to partake, this is what Alfonso stated in the pre-match presser, and the danger that the young striker Vincy Barretto presents.
- Mohun Bagan attack depth: Cummings was back after spending time abroad, and Colaco was in sparkling form (Scored three goals in the last two games). The frontline was deadlier than ever.
- Gokulam defensive determination: The Kerala team also allowed only four goals in the previous five I-League matches, and they did so through the use of a tight 4-5-1 formation.
- Weather condition: Kolkata’s humid evening, with the temperatures growing to 32 °C, was a test to the stamina of both teams at the start.
Habas chose 4-2-3-1 with Manvir Singh at right and Dimitri Petratos at No. 10 pulling strings. Gokulam responded in a practical way and parked the bus, hitting the counter.
First Half Fireworks: Mohun Bagan Take Over
The whistle saw the game burst into life. The high pressure by Gokulam made Mohun Bagan take a nap at the start of the first minute, and Barretto had to press a fingertip save by Vishal Kaith in the 3rd minute after receiving a one-two with midfield genius Mohamed Rakip. However, the Mariners soon gained control as they possessed 62 per cent in the first 45.
The breakthrough was in the 12th minute. A plump through-ball by Petratos saw Cummings drifting into the box, and the Australian striker shot a low shot past Bilal Khan into the lower part of the goal. 1-0 Mohun Bagan. The stadium broke out, and ultras rolled out a tifo that was an illustration of the legendary history of the team.
Gokulam refused to buckle. When Mohun Bagan lost a rare backline in the 25th minute, as a result of a misjudgment by Subhasish Bose, who was receiving a header, Rakip equalised with a curling shot and scored 1-1. The goal gave the visitors life, and they became confident, and there they earned three corners in rapid succession.
There was a regaining of the lead by Mohun Bagan by the time the half-time came. After a corner, Sahal Abdul Samad, the heartbeat of the midfield, picked up a loose ball in the area, latched on and smashed home with his close-range shot in the 42nd minute. 2-1. The half concluded when the skipper, Gokulam of Ubaid CK, was sent off after cynically committing a foul on Colaco, and this indicated the amount of frustration building up.
Several important situations in the first half:
- 3′: The initial shot by Barretto challenges Kaith.
- 12′: Cummings starts the goals with the clinical finish.
- 25′: Rakip equalises with a magic moment.
- 42′: Sahal’s poacher strike puts Mariners ahead at the break.
Second Half Drama: Gokulam Fight Back, But Colaco Shines
The time appeared to flame Gokulam. They came back with fresh energy, and within the next 48th minute they had equalised. A superb throw-in of long distance found Mohun Bagan flat-footed, and Barretto shot the highest to score a goal from a six-yard distance. 2-2. The underdogs swung back in, and the away cheering audience, comprising a noisy section of 500, shouted *Malabar Magic!*
Habas reacted by making two substitutions: Manvir taking the place of Colac, and a young winger called Lalthathanga Khawlhring replacing a wearying Petratos. The relocation was almost immediately rewarded. Colaco came blistering down the left flank in the 55th minute, shredded the right-back of Gokulam and then cut in and curled a beauty in the top corner. 3-2. The Indian born Brazilian international celebrated as he saluted the curva on his third goal of the third game.
The game thereafter broke into havoc. Gokulam charged ahead, and left back holes. At the 68th minute, a counter-attack, led by Sahal, placed Colaco back into the spot and he scored calmly one against one with Khan, 4-2. The stadium was an ear drum, as it silenced the whistle of the referee.
Gokulam had opportunities of retrieving–there was a volley by Barretto cleared by Ashique Kuruniyan off the line in the 75th, and in the 82nd a penalty was awarded when Rahul KP was struck in the box. But Kaith, in a fervent rush, leapt down to his right to stop Rakip’s spot-kick, keeping the lead. The last whistle was a relief and jubilation, and Habas fist-pumped towards the stands.
Highlight bullets in the second half:
- 48′: Barretto equalises off a throw-in.
- 55′: Colaco’s wonder strike reinstates the lead.
- 68′: Colaco clinical counter makes it twice.
- 82′: Kaith’s penalty save clinches the points.
Ratings and Stats of the Players: Colaco Stole the Show
| Player | Team | Goals | Assists | Pass Accuracy | Tackles | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liston Colaco | Mohun Bagan | 2 | 0 | 78% | 2 | 9.2 |
| Jason Cummings | Mohun Bagan | 1 | 1 | 85% | 1 | 8.5 |
| Sahal Abdul Samad | Mohun Bagan | 1 | 1 | 92% | 3 | 8.8 |
| Vincent Barretto | Gokulam Kerala | 1 | 0 | 71% | 1 | 7.9 |
| Mohamed Rakip | Gokulam Kerala | 1 | 0 | 82% | 4 | 7.6 |
| Vishal Kaith | Mohun Bagan | 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 | 8.0 |
The award of Man of the Match at Colaco was unanimous, and his electric speed and accuracy caused terror to the defence of Gokulam. To the losers, the aerial threat of Barretto held them in it, and the all-around performance of Rakip emphasised his significance.
After the Match Speculations: Habas Hails Resilience, Alfonso Vows Revenge
Habas was tallied in victory in the press room. We respect Gokulam–they had to make us work an inch. This is cup football, the foe of complacency. Colaco and Cummings demonstrated the reason why they are world-class. The Spaniard affirmed that there were no new injury issues, which was fortunate before they met Al Hilal at ACL Two on October 21.
In defeat, Alfonso kindly indicated positives. We have made two against the finest defence in India, that is, improvement. We shall learn the penalty miss hurts, but we will learn. In Kerala, in future, it might turn out to be different. The fans of Gokulam also clapped even though they were disappointed on the side, but supported their team.
The social media response was overwhelming, and the hashtag of the event, #MBSGvGOK, was trending throughout the country. “Colaco is on fire!” one fan posted, while another wrote: “Super Cup trophy coming in.” Another posted: “Gokulam overperformed their weight – credit where it is due.”
In the Future: Super Cup Stakes and Beyond
This victory puts Mohun Bagan at the top of Group A, which preconditions interesting matches with Bengaluru FC and Hyderabad FC in the framework of the group stage. Gokulam, with zero points, is now down to the bottom and must win against Chennaiyin FC on September 25 to continue with semi-final possibilities.
To Mohun Bagan, the Super Cup is the ideal preparation as they launch their defence in ISL on November 1 against Kerala Blasters. The ACL Two group stage becomes increasingly demanding, with a visit to Indonesia against Persis Solo on September 30 coming next, and the depth of the squad will come into question.
The campaign carried out by Gokulam, in its turn, underscores the increased competitiveness of the I-League. Even after the loss, their performance can give them the prospects of a deep run, provided that they tighten their defence.
Ultimately, this 4-2 epic has summarised the beauty of Indian football: passion, unpredictability, as well as undying spirit. All is focused on the Mariners to conquer the domestic and continental fronts as the Super Cup heats up. In the meantime, Kolkata dreams in the September stars.