Federation Cup champions Mahindra United carved out a well-deserved 2-1 victory over Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan in the second round of the eighth National Football League at the Cooperage in Mumbai on Thursday.
All the three goals came in the second session.
Former champions Bagan fielded their new Brazilian recruits -- medio Leondro Monerat D'Almedia and forward Eduardo Pereira Leal Ribeiro -- but found the going tough against the Mumbai champions, who stepped up the pace in the second session.
Mahindra's fleet-footed mid-fielder James Singh put his team ahead in the 55th minute with a fine floater following a free-kick from the top of the box. A host of Mahindra defender watched in amazement as the ball curled in to the near corner of the post.
Twenty minutes later, Bagan captain and Brazilian striker Jose Marcio Barreto equalised following a pass from mid-fielder Rocus Lamare.
However, the visitors' joy was shortlived, as just four minutes later Mahindra striker Felix Aboagye regained the lead for his side with an opportunistic goal.
The first half saw both the teams size up each other though the hosts made the first good move in the fifth minute but their winger Raphael Patron Akakpo's try was well-saved by Bagan custodian Arindam Ghosh.
Ten minutes later Bagan winger Ashim Biswas's try ricochetted off Mahindra goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey and went straight to Ribeiro, who shot over.
Soon after the hosts took the lead Bagan had a chance to equalise but their medio Lolendra Singh's curling shot just missed the mark.
With just five minutes to go for the final hooter, Bagan got a chance to make it 2-all but substitute Hardeep Saini's right footer missed the mark narrowly.
This is Mahindra's first victory from two matches in the league. They lost their opening match to Dempo 0-2.
For Bagan, it is their first defeat from two matches. They beat Mohammedan Sporting 2-0 in their opening match.
Photograph: JEWELLA C MIRANDA
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