Liston Colaco Brace Powers 10-Man Mohun Bagan Past Mohammedan Sporting

Photo by Pixel Sports\Debjoy Biswas

Liston Colaco brace helped 10-man Mohun Bagan Super Giant secure a 3-1 win over Mohammedan Sporting in their opening Group B encounter of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.

The Mariners took the lead through Colaco’s exquisite free-kick in the 23rd minute, but their control was challenged when midfielder Apuia received a straight red card in the 43rd minute for retaliating during an off-the-ball incident.

Mohammedan Sporting capitalised on the numerical advantage shortly after the break. Ashley Koli brought the match level in the 49th minute, finishing off a rebound after Vishal Kaith parried a powerful attempt from Lalthankima.

However, Mohun Bagan responded in style. In the 63rd minute, Liston’s intelligent through-ball released Suhail Bhat, who slotted home on the rebound after his initial shot was blocked, restoring the Mariners' lead.

The match saw a moment of concern late in stoppage time when Suhail appeared to pick up an ankle injury and had to be stretchered off.

Colaco, who had been a constant threat down the flank, capped off a superb performance by converting a penalty in the dying seconds of the match after being fouled by Mohammedan captain Pukhrambam Dinesh Singh.

Despite being a man down for nearly an entire half, Mohun Bagan displayed composure, experience, and attacking sharpness — with Liston Colaco’s brace proving decisive.