Mohun Bagan held in their opening game

KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan failed to make a winning start to their CFL Premier Division campaign as they were held 1-1 by Bhawanipore Club in Barrackpore on Tuesday. While their arch-rivals East Bengal began with a 7-0 thrashing of Tollygunge Agragami and Mohammedan Sporting scored a 6-0 victory against Wari, Bagan never seemed to be in control of their opening match.
Shivajit Singh put the team ahead after ten minutes when he scored from a free-kick from just outside the box.However, Bhawanipore goalkeeper Shankar Ray erred in putting up the wall properly.
But the green and maroon brigade could not hold on to the lead for long as Jiten Murmu equalized within seven minutes when the Bagan defence faltered in clearing a pass from the right flank. Although both sides failed to break the deadlock, it was Bhowanipore who created more chances. Murmu himself could have got a hat-trick, but poor finishing let Bhowanipore down.
It seemed the team has not yet settled down under Bagan’s new coach Deggie Cardozo, who will be in charge of the side for the CFL. The team only showed intent late in the second half but goalkeeper Priyanto replacing Shankar under the bar, managed to keep Bhawanipore citadel safe.
Players of both sides found it difficult as continuous rain made the ground conditions tough.
Bhawanipore’s Saiful Rahman got seriously injured in a collision late in the first half and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in an ambulance. However, it was learnt that the footballer is doing fine.