Dipanda Dicka scored the only goal as Mohun Bagan edged Real Kashmir 1-0 in a thrilling encounter at the TRC Polo ground on Tuesday. The victory helped the Green and Maroons climb to second in the table on eight points from four matches. They are five behind table leaders Chennai City, who have played a game more.
On the other, Real Kashmir after a bright start – they beat the defending champions Minerva Punjab 1-0 in their first ever top-flight match and held Churchill Brothers to goalless draw in their next – are now eighth in the 11-team table with just four points from the equal number of matches.
Winless in their first two home games, Kashmir started well as striker Gnohere Krizo almost scored in the opening minute after skidding past debutant Dalraj Singh but Bagan goalkeeper Shilton Paul was at hand to avert the danger.
Bagan were lucky not to concede a penalty in the 30th minute when Nagen Tamang was brought down inside the box by Abhishek Ambedkar but referee waived away the home team’s demands.
But the best chance to score in the first half fell to Dicka when a lovely through ball from Pintu Mahata was laid into his path by Omar Elhusseiny. But despite having plenty of space to score, the Cameroonian striker sent in a low cross for Henry Kisekka, which was intercepted by Kashmir goalkeeper Bilal Khan.
Dicka eventually made most of the missed opportunity in the 70th minute heading home a Kisekka cross to put Bagan ahead. On a splendid run in the left flank, Kisekka found an unmarked Dicka inside the box after beating Kashmir center-back Mason Robertson for pace, which the Bagan no.9 netted without any fuss.
Kashmir coach Dave Robertson immediately threw on Farhan Ganie and Nadong Bhutia in search of the equaliser, but Bagan’s defence held on to secure their second consecutive victory in four matches. The first two had ended in draws.
Meanwhile, with three more back-to-back matches at home, Kashmir will be eager to turn their campaign around.