Mumbai City FC holds ATK Mohun Bagan to a 1-1 draw; Neroca drops first points of Durand Cup 2022

The result dealt a blow to ATK Mohun Bagan’s chances of making it to the quarterfinals as the 16-time champion tallied just one point after two outings in the group league so far.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz (second from right), coming ion from the bench, scored the equaliser for Mumbai City FC to draw the game against ATK Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup. | Photo Credit: Durand Cup Media

Former Indian Super League champion, Mumbai City FC, held the 2021 runner-up ATK Mohun Bagan to a 1-1 draw in a Group B league match of the 131st Durand Cup, at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Mohun Bagan went into the lead late in the first half off a nice effort from Liston Colaco before Mumbai City substitute Pereyra Diaz nodded home the equaliser late in the second half to see the action ending in a deadlock.

The result dealt a blow to ATK Mohun Bagan’s chances of making it to the quarterfinals as it tallied just one point after two outings in the group league so far.

The ATKMB had lost its opening match against I-League side Rajasthan United FC. Mumbai City remained on top of the current group league standings with four points from two matches.

Looking for a full quota of points to keep its chances alive in the group, Mohun Bagan started strongly and was rewarded for its efforts towards the end of the first half.

Liston Colaco showed why he is valued as one of the best Indian attackers in business as he finished a cross from Asish Rai in the 40th minute to put ATK Bagan in the lead.

The ATKMB had its chances of finishing the game but paid for the wastefulness of its attackers later in the game.

As the home side seemed to lose its grip on the action, Mumbai City made a strong return in the final quarter of the action. Coach Des Buckingham introduced his Argentine striker Diaz, who brought up the equaliser in the 77th minute with a spectacular header to finish a cross from another substitute Sanjeev Stalin.

Neroca and Army Red play out a goalless draw

Neroca FC was held to a goalless draw by the Army Red in a Group C match of the Durand Cup football tournament at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal on Wednesday.

This was the first match where Neroca (in white) dropped points, while it was the second draw in a row for Army Red Football Team. | Photo Credit: Durand Cup Media

Following an uneventful first half, Neroca – which won its first match against Trau – dominated the second half but could not earn a goal.

Neroca gathered four points from two matches.

Army Red, which experienced its second consecutive draw, had two points from as many matches.

Match results:

Group B: ATK Mohun Bagan 1 (Liston Colaco 40) drew with Mumbai City FC 1 (Pereyra Diaz 77)

Group C: Army Red 0 drew with Neroca FC 0