Team Herald
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It was a transformed ATK Mohun Bagan on Tuesday! They created chances, they tested the keeper and they did score two goals, which were enough to see them through to the final after beating NorthEast United 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate) at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday.
With now the finalists – Mumbai City FC already sealing the AFC Champions League place, ATK Mohun Bagan have sealed the AFC Cup slot.
For Mariners it was David Williams once again giving them the lead in the first half to set on course for their fourth final appearance. Manvir Singh doubled the tally before Suhair Vadakkepeedika pulled a goal back.
For a moment it seemed there would be another 120 minutes of football when Highlanders were awarded a penalty late in the game but much to the delight of ATK MB, Luis Machado fired the spot kick wide.
There were no doubts ATK MB would come all guns blazing in this fixture, which they have never lost before. The Kolkata team created chances after chances. With Subhasish Roy saving few and also the frame coming to their rescue, it wasn’t long before the Kolkata team scored. The goal was once again score by David Williams who was fed by Roy Krishna. The Australian kept his composure before slamming past the Subhasish Roy.
The Mariners adopted a completely different approach from the first leg. They had 16 shots in the first half but just three on target.
NorthEast came back strongly in the second session and dominated the first quarter of the second half. They created chances and tested the keeper, but just couldn’t get the equaliser they were looking for0 Federico Gallego and Suhair Vadakkepeedika were denied by Arindam.
But Bagan were soon back in control and found a second goal from a quick counter. An NEUFC set-piece was cleared by Bagan and Krishna was quick to initiate an attack from outside his own box. The Fijian played a long ball to Manvir, who got away from the opposition defenders and shot past the keeper.
NEUFC pulled a goal back just before the cooling break. The goal came from a set-piece. Machado whipped in a corner which was flicked on by Benjamin Lambot. Arindam missed the ball completely before it hit the post and Vadakkepeedika was at the right place to head it into the goal.
The Highlanders were given an opportunity to get back into the game when Sylla was brought down by Bose in the box. The referee awarded a penalty, but Machado fired it wide.
The ISL final is lsted for March 13 and will be played at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda.
