(Football news) ATK Mohun Bagan defeated Hyderabad FC 2-1 at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday to progress into the top four of the Indian Super League table. After a goalless first half, Liston Colaco scored the opening goal for the Mariners in the 56th minute while Manvir Singh doubled the advantage three minutes later. Joel Chianese (67th) pulled a goal back for Hyderabad FC but they couldn’t find another, eventually succumbing to their third loss of the season but retaining their position at the top of the table with 26 points in 15 matches.
Despite a goalless first half, ATK Mohun Bagan created more chances with Hugo Boumous playing an integral role in many of the opportunities. The Frenchman combined well with Liston Colaco and David Williams as they looked to find a breakthrough. Laxmikant Kattimani was forced to make a save from Boumous while Amrinder Singh ensured Bartholomew Ogbeche couldn’t find a breakthrough at the other end. Despite ATK Mohun Bagan’s dominance, Nikhil Poojary almost scored against the run of play but failed to hit the target from Joel Chianese’s low cross.
ATKMB faced a double setback as Boumous and Carl McHugh picked up injuries and were forced to be replaced with Joni Kauko and Kiyan Giri. Close to half-time, both Colaco and Chianese had shots directly at the goalkeeper. In the second half the Mariners finally found a breakthrough as Williams found Colaco who curled the ball into the far post in the 56th minute which was his sixth goal of the campaign so far. Three minutes later, ATKMB doubled their advantage as Joni Kauko fed Manvir who beat the onrushing Kattimani and slotted the ball into the back of the net.
The setback prompted Hyderabad FC to change their approach and become offensive and were rewarded when Joao Victor’s free-kick was punched away by Amrinder Singh but the ball fell on Chianese who found the back of the net in the 67th minute. With a goal still needed to secure a draw, Hyderabad FC manager Manolo Marquez brought in Javier Siviero for Victor with 15 minutes left on the clock. However, it was ATKMB who had the best opportunity as Liston Colaco missed a sitter with an open goal to aim at. Danu also missed a decent opportunity from Akash Mishra's cross. The game ended with the Mariners securing a vital three points.
ATK Mohun Bagan will face NorthEast United in their next Indian Super League match on Saturday, 12th February at the Fatorda Stadium while Hyderabad FC will take on Bengaluru FC on Friday, 11th February at the GMC Athletic Stadium.
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