Wed Sep 18 23:13:08 UTC 2024: ## Mohun Bagan Stumble in AFC Champions League Two Debut, Held to Goalless Draw
**Kolkata, Sep 18 (PTI)** – Mohun Bagan’s AFC Champions League Two campaign started on a frustrating note with a goalless draw against Tajikistan’s FC Ravshan at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the ISL Shield champions failed to find the back of the net, leaving their 18,908 home supporters disappointed.
The team’s recent performances under Spanish coach Juan Ferrando have been under scrutiny, with this latest disappointment coming after a string of poor results. Fans voiced their frustration with chants of “Go Back Molina” as the players left the pitch, adding to the pressure on the coach.
Mohun Bagan started brightly, controlling possession and forcing Ravshan into a defensive shell. However, they struggled to convert their dominance into goals. Dimitri Petratos had the best chance of the first half, but his shot was blocked by Ravshan’s defence.
Mohun Bagan’s goalkeeper Vishal Kaith pulled off a crucial save in the 28th minute to deny Muhammaddjon Rahimov a goal. Despite controlling the game, the Mariners failed to register a shot on target in the first half.
The second half saw more of the same, with Mohun Bagan creating chances but lacking the finishing touch. Jason Cummings missed a golden opportunity in the 76th minute, while a late flurry of chances, including a disallowed goal by Petratos and a missed chance by Liston Colaco, saw the match end in a frustrating draw.
Ravshan, runners-up of the 2023 Tajikistan Higher League, qualified for the group stage of the ACL-II, a new format for Asia’s second-tier club football competition. Mohun Bagan are in Group A alongside Al Wakrah SC, Tractor SC, and FC Ravshan. The top two teams from each group will advance to the round of 16.
First Piper 