Bagan registered their first win in the 08-09 edition of the I League and the victory came as a pain killer for the Bagan fans as the first full three points came against one of the better teams of the Indian League, Dempo Sports Club, Goa. Certainly this victory will be cherished by the Green and Maroon brigade as this is not only the first victory after the things had started going wrong after the CFL triumph, but this also has come from an away match and even so from Goa.
Karim Bencharifa, after the Derby draw had expressed his apprehensions about the future of his team in the I league which will become more competitive as the league progresses. It was important for Bagan to win this match just to keep the hopes living.Bagan went into this match with the famous duo of Barreto-Bhaichung upfront but with a suspect defense Karim had to pin his hopes to the two best players in India, Barreto and Bhaichung.
The match started off with Bagan playing a "wait and watch" game and slowly tried to gain control and just then the Bagan defense received a jolt. In the 33rd minute of the match Anand Vasan received the second yellow of the match and was sent off. Bagan reduced to 10 men against Dempo in Goa. A difficult proposition...
Dempo as expected stepped on the gas and tried to play the pressure game and waited for the Bagan defense to commit the error. But Bagan defense did not crumble under pressure and Dipak seemed quite impressive in the back.
With the beginning of the second half, Bhaichung Bhutia was pulled down inside the penalty box and the referee pointed to the spot. Barreto stepped up and converted from the spot and put Bagan in the lead.
10 men Bagan had to put up a valiant battle against a Dempo side starring Ranty Martins, Beto, Steven Dias and other players of repute.
However, Dempo failed to force the issue and Bagan defense neither gave them the chance and Mohun Bagan went on to registered their first win in this edition of I league riding the sole goal from Barreto.
Barreto to miss Churchill match!
Mohun Bagan will however, miss the invalueable services of the Bagan Ace, Jose Ramirez Barreto in the next match against Churchill on the 9th of November following a double booking. He had already received a caution against Mohd. Sporting and today he received another yellow card.
Anand Vasan and Barreto will have to sit out in the match against Churchill Brothers who will play their away match in Salt Lake Stadium.
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