Liston's Masterclass: How 10-Man Bagan Sunk Mohammedan SC 3-1

You know, some football matches are just routine, but every now and then, you get a classic Kolkata derby that reminds you why you love the game. That’s exactly what happened on July 31st at the Salt Lake Stadium. Mohun Bagan Super Giant kicked off their Durand Cup campaign against city rivals Mohammedan SC in a match that had everything: raw emotion, incredible skill, high drama, and a result that nobody saw coming after the first half chaos.

Key Highlights

• ✓ Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Mohammedan SC with a stunning 3-1 scoreline.
• ✓ The Mariners played more than half the match with only 10 men after Apuia received a straight red card.
• ✓ Liston Colaco was the star of the show, scoring two goals and providing a brilliant assist.
• ✓ The intense Kolkata derby took place at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium as part of the Durand Cup 2025.
• ✓ The victory marked a successful, albeit dramatic, start to Mohun Bagan's tournament campaign.

A Fiery First Half and a Shocking Red Card

The match kicked off with that classic derby tension in the air. Both teams, fielding all-Indian squads, were eager to make their mark. Mohun Bagan, led by assistant coach Bastab Roy in the absence of head coach Jose Molina, started to dominate possession early on. They were committing men forward, trying to stretch the Mohammedan defense, which was looking to play on the counter. You could see Bagan’s intent, but the black-and-white brigade held firm, not giving them much space.

The breakthrough moment came in the 21st minute. The man of the hour, Liston Colaco, went on a weaving run, taking on three defenders before being brought down right on the edge of the box. It was a clear free-kick, and the perfect opportunity. Liston himself stepped up and, with a stroke of pure genius, curled a direct free-kick into the net. The stadium erupted! Just like that, it was 1-0 to the Mariners in the 22nd minute.

With the lead, Bagan continued to control the game, but then, everything changed in an instant. In the 43rd minute, a massive scuffle broke out after Apuia was tackled from behind. In a moment of madness, the MBSG man reacted, and the referee didn't hesitate, showing him a straight red card. Suddenly, the entire dynamic of the match was flipped on its head. Mohun Bagan were down to 10 men, and Mohammedan had a lifeline right before halftime. The temperature soared, challenges flew in, and the first half ended with Bagan ahead on the scoreboard but at a huge numerical disadvantage.

💡 What's Interesting: Even before the match, Mohun Bagan's camp was wary. Assistant coach Bastab Roy said, "A key feature of Mohammedan SC is that they are a young team and they don't depend on any individuals and play as a team... It's not going to be easy." His words proved prophetic, as the young MSC side nearly turned the game around.

Down to 10 Men, But Not Out of the Fight

As the second half began, you could feel the shift in momentum. Mohammedan SC came out of the gates flying, looking to exploit their one-man advantage. They started creating chances immediately, putting the 10-man Bagan side under immense pressure. It didn't take long for their relentless pursuit to pay off. Just five minutes into the half, in the 50th minute, Ashley found the back of the net, leveling the score for Mohammedan. It was 1-1, and it felt like the game was MSC's to lose.

For a while, it was all Mohammedan. They were attacking relentlessly, and Bagan looked like they were just trying to weather the storm. Goalkeeper and captain Vishal Kaith even went down with a head injury after a collision but bravely continued. But here’s the thing about champion teams—they find a way. Against all odds, Mohun Bagan didn’t just hang on; they fought back. And it was Liston Colaco who once again provided the spark.

In the 62nd minute, something magical happened. Liston went on another brilliant run, but this time, he capped it off with an audacious, perfectly-timed back-heel pass that cut the defense wide open. The pass found young Suhail Ahmed Bhat, who made no mistake and slotted it home. An unbelievable goal! Despite being a man down, Bagan were back in front, 2-1. The crowd went wild. From that moment on, Bagan, paradoxically, looked like the better team, especially in attack. They were turning on the after-burners, with Suhail almost making it three just a few minutes later.

The Liston Colaco Show Seals the Deal

With the lead restored, Mohun Bagan settled into a smart tactical game. They sat deeper, absorbed the pressure, and denied Mohammedan any real space to work with. For all their effort, Mohammedan, under coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, just couldn't find a way through. Their slow build-up play was playing right into the hands of the 10-man Mariners. The rub of the green just wasn't going their way, and time was ticking away.

As the match entered its final stages, Bagan's defense, marshaled by the ever-reliable Vishal Kaith, stood tall. Kaith made a particularly important, if risky, save in the 89th minute, coming far out of his goal to clear the danger. Mohammedan knew they had to equalize to stay alive in the tournament, having already lost their opener to Diamond Harbour FC. But Bagan's resilience was unbreakable. Five minutes of stoppage time were added, giving a glimmer of hope to MSC.

However, the final twist in the tale belonged to Mohun Bagan and their hero, Liston Colaco. In the 95th minute, Dinesh made a rash tackle on Liston inside the box, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. A penalty for MBSG! There was no doubt who would take it. Liston stepped up, cool as you like, and sent the ball into the back of thenet in the 96th minute to make it 3-1. With that goal, the referee blew the final whistle. It was an emphatic, character-defining victory against all odds.

Conclusion

What a way for Mohun Bagan Super Giant to begin their Durand Cup journey. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. To go down to 10 men against your city rivals and still emerge with a 3-1 victory speaks volumes about the team's character and fight. Liston Colaco was simply unplayable, delivering a true masterclass with two goals and a phenomenal assist that will be talked about for a long time. For Mohammedan SC, it's a tough result that puts their tournament hopes in jeopardy, but for the Mariners, it’s a perfect, drama-filled start that will give them immense confidence moving forward.