Despite almost no preparation time with his new team, ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando got off to a flying start with a 3-2 win over NorthEast United FC. Hugo Boumous scored a brace for the Mariners – as they ended a four-match winless run.
Despite conceding early, the Kolkata-based outfit came roaring back into the match and overturned the deficit thanks to a brace from Hugo Boumous. Their win ends a four-match winless run, during which they lost two and drew two, and consequently, sacked head coach Antonio Lopez Habas.
ATKMB’s poor run of late looked to continue when VP Suhair headed NorthEast in front with a header at the near post. The Indian attacker flicked on Mathias Coureur’s corner in the second minute, punishing the Mariners for some poor marking on the set-piece. However, the early concession sparked Roy Krishna and co into life; the forward himself went close to leveling the match soon after, while Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco, too, tested their luck but to no avail.
The breakthrough for ATKMB arrived in first-half stoppage time, thanks to an incredible error by NorthEast goalkeeper Mirshad Michu. The custodian scuffed his goal-kick, which landed straight at the feet of Boumous, allowing the Mariners possession deep inside his half. The ball eventually found its way to Krishna on the right flank, and his cross was headed in at the back post by Colaco.
ATKMB punished another calamitous error by their opponents in the 52nd minute. This time, Subhasish Bose won the ball back at the edge of the United box as they attempted to play out from the back before squaring it to Boumous for a tap-in.
The Highlanders exhibited yet more defensive frailty for the Mariners’ third goal, when their lopsided backline allowed Boumous to ghost in behind, collect a pass from Joni Kauko, and calmly slot the ball in the corner.
Mashoot Shereef pulled a goal back for NorthEast United in the 87th minute – his fierce shot traveling through Amrinder Singh – but it proved to be a mere consolation.
