Mohammedan Sporting Club is a very well-known name in Indian football. They are one of the three Kolkata Giants and one of the most supported clubs in Indian football. From breaking the British dominance in the Calcutta Football League to becoming the first civilian club to win the Durand Cup, Mohammedan have accumulated a lot of glory in their 133 years of history.
However, unlike their cross-town rivals (Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC), their performance in the last few decades has not been as glorious as it should have been. Once touted as one of the strongest teams in the subcontinent, Mohammedan have spent most of the last two decades flip-flopping in the I-League and Second Division I-League (now I-League 2).
Things finally changed after Bunkerhill’s investment in the club. They recaptured the Calcutta Football League for the first time since 1981 and gradually established themselves as a strong contender in the I-League. Then, they ultimately won the I-League last season in a fantastic manner. By winning the I-League, Mohammedan qualified for the Indian Super League (the first tier of Indian football, currently).
A Tough Start to the Season
Having qualified for the Indian Super League, Mohammedan spent big bucks to improve their squad. However, the most important thing they did was to keep their Russian manager, Andrey Chernyshov, who helped them get the promotion the previous season. Under Chernyshov, MDS played a very entertaining brand of football in the I-League and also garnered results. So, this was a well-needed move to give them a stable base in a new league.
Mohammedan faced reigning Durand Cup champions NorthEast United FC in their Indian Super League debut at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan (ISL’s newest venue). Despite playing well for most of the match, the Black and White Brigade suffered a narrow loss due to a late winner from Alaeddine Ajarey (NorthEast’s Moroccan forward).
First Goal, First Point
In their second-ever match in ISL, Mohammedan faced former Shield champions FC Goa, coached by Manolo Marquez. FC Goa were coming to this match at the back of a shocking home defeat against Jamshedpur FC. The Gaurs, one of the favourites for the ISL Shield, were hoping to put up a strong performance and get their first win of the season.
Things, however, turned out to be totally different. From the start of the match, Andrey Chernyshov’s side played exceptionally well and controlled the game. Mohammedan did the simple things right and came close to getting the opener quite a few times in the first half, only to be blocked by Laxmikant Kattimani’s brilliant shot-stopping skills.
Even after the break, Goa faced huge trouble keeping the Black and White Brigade in check. Mohammedan, with their Latin American duo of Carlos Franca and Alexis Gomez running the show, were making a mess out of Goa’s defensive shape at this stage. Then, from one such fine move, they earned the penalty when Franca was fouled inside the box. Argentine attacking midfielder Alexis Gomez took the responsibility and converted from the spot to create history. With this goal, the Argentine became Mohammedan’s first-ever goalscorer in ISL.
The Kolkata Giants had a few more opportunities to put the game to bed but failed to do so hugely because of Goa’s custodian. Just when it seemed MDS had probably secured their first win of ISL, Goa came to life and began to ask some questions. Goa’s new striker Armando Sadiku drew level from Akash Sangwan’s beautiful cross. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, giving Chernyshov’s side their first point of the season.
Mohammedan are Finally Here
Despite the match ending in a draw (which could have been easily a win on another day), it was a big statement from Mohammedan Sporting Club. They dominated one of the strongest sides in ISL, and will now look to build on this start. The only thing that will keep Chernyshov a bit unhappy is the finishing of their forwards. So far, it is the only aspect that has seemed like a weakness for this MDS side. However, with both Manzoki and Franca playing their first few minutes in the Indian conditions, MDS will only improve from here on.
With this display, Mohammedan Sporting Club re-announced themselves to the Indian football circuit. The Black and White Brigade are finally here at the level where they belong, and from now on, no one can take them lightly. Mohammedan will next take on Chennaiyin FC in an away match before facing cross-town rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
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