Mohun Bagan Secure 3-1 Comeback Win vs Abahani Dhaka, Make AFC Cup South Zone Group Stage

Mohun Bagan scripted a stunning second-half comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over Abahani Limited Dhaka in the AFC Cup playoffs at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday. The visitors impressed with their counter-attacking prowess in the first-half, capitalising on their swift breaks to create dangerous opportunities. Mario Lemos' tactics bore fruit in the 17th minute when their key marksman Cornelius Stewart benefitted from a goalkeeping howler by Vishal Kaith, to seize the opportunity against the run of play.

A pivotal moment came in the 37th minute when Liston Colaco was tripped, leading to Jason Cummings' leftfooted penalty kick to bring the game on an even keel before the break.

Having helmed their defence with perfection, the Iranian centre back Milad Sheikhi Soleimani turned villain in no time when he scored in his own net trying to clear a skillful cross by Hugo Boumous.

Mohun Bagan then turned it up in style with Armanian forward Armando Sadiku opening his account in the Mariners jersey to seal the issue within the hour mark.

The win locked Mohun Bagan's berth in the South Zone group stage, where the last season's Inter-Zone semifinalists will join Indian Super Cup champions Odisha FC, Bashundhara Kings of Bangladesh and Maziya Sports & Recreation Club of Maldives.

Mohun Bagan also did a double on Abahani, having defeated them by an identical scoreline at the same stage last season.

Juan Ferrando adopted a 3-5-2 formation, with Liston Colaco partnering star forward Jason Cummings upfront, but it failed to yield the desired result as the Australian World Cupper remained at his wasteful best.

Despite their spirited efforts, Cummings missed an early scoring opportunity, as Abahani goalkeeper Mohammad Sahidul Alam