JOIN USTechnical Director Subhash Bhowmick made a few changes in the Mohun Bagan team, bringing in youngster Nagimuddin Mollick, but it was the old brigade of Muritala Ali and Jose Barretto that found the back of the net for the Kolkatan side, earning them a much-needed point.
The match started brightly for Bagan with Muritala, who has been off-colour so far this season, coming to the fore to put his side ahead in the eighth minute.
Clifton Gonzales equalised for the Goans half an hour later and both teams went into the break locked at 1-1.
In the second half, goals were hard to come by initially for both the sides, despite some good attacking play.
Ranti Martins, though, seemed to have gained Dempo maximum points with a strike 12 minutes from time. But Barreto immediately restored parity for Bagan in the 80th as both teams settled for a point each.
After the match Bhowmick said the team should look forward. “We scored twice and put them under pressure at one point of time. It shows we have played well. We should look forward and go ahead from here on,” Bhowmick told reporters.
Roped in after Stanly Rozario quit following the defeat against Churchill Brothers, Bhowmick wanted a few things rectified.
“Of course, a few things needed to be rectified,” he said referring to the fragile defence. Bhowmick also praised Man of the Match Shilton Paul who impressed under the bar saving at least two sure-shot goals and said he was happy with the draw.
“There is nothing to be unhappy about. The boys have played better than what I expected.”