The match report is also available in Bangla.

Indian Super League (ISL) side Mohun Bagan Super Giant suffered a narrow defeat against Turkmenistan’s Ahal FK in their AFC Champions League Two group-stage opener at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday.

A second-half goal from super-sub Enwer Annayev secured all three points for the visitors as the Kolkata giants kicked off their continental campaign with a disappointing result.

The Mariners got their first chance in the 13th minute from a Jason Cummings corner kick, which found Liston Colaco after being partially cleared by the opposing defenders. However, Colaco’s eventual grounded effort was blocked.

MBSG had another chance within two minutes this time, with Kiyan Nassiri, who did well to get past two Ahal FK players and found Sahal Abdul Samad with the cutback, but the latter’s first-time attempt was denied.

The Turkmenistan side got their first chance in the 32nd minute courtesy of Berenov’s low cross from the right corner that got deflected only to hit the crossbar, as the scoreline remained unchanged.

The hosts got another chance in the final quarter of the opening half when Sahal set up a brilliant ball for Jason Cummings, but the Australian forward failed to keep his shot on target.

After a tight affair in the opening 45 minutes, it was goalless at the half-time break.

Ahal FK looked to control the proceedings in the second half with short passes and quick build-ups. The visitors got another chance with Berenov in the 57th minute, who made an excellent run and cut inside the MBSG box, but Vishal Kaith saved his low shot.

Jose Molina made a couple of changes in the second half as he brought in Jamie Maclaren and Anirudh Thapa to replace Kiyan Nassiri and Deepak Tangri.

Maclaren almost broke the deadlock with his first touch after coming on, but the Ahal FK goalkeeper, Berdiyev, made a brilliant save to clear the danger. However, Maclaren was caught offside.

MBSG got their best chance of the match with Cummings and Maclaren combining inside the opponent's box. Cummings received an excellent pass from Thapa and squared the ball to Maclaren at the far post. Maclaren attempted a first-time shot, but Berdiyev stood tall with yet another excellent save to deny his attempt.

Colaco and Tekcham Abhishek Singh made way for Robson Robinho and Subhasish Bose, who were brought in the 72nd minute. For the visitors, Gurbanberdiyev and Annayev replaced Abdyrahmanov and Berenov in the 79th minute.

Gurbanberdiyev and Annayev made an immediate impact, as they combined to give Ahal the lead within four minutes after coming on. Gurbanberdiyev found Annayev inside the box from the left flank with an excellent pass, and Annayev made no mistake to find the back of the net with his precise strike that left no chance for the MBSG defenders.

Despite MBSG creating a few chances in the final stretch of the second half, the Mariners succumbed to a narrow defeat in their opening ACL Two fixture at home.

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Mohun Bagan Super Giant2025-26