Subhasish Bose celebrated his birthday in a grand style on Wednesday as he scored a goal in ATK Mohun Bagan’s 2-0 win over Bengaluru FC in their AFC Cup Group D South Zone match at the National Football Stadium in Male (Maldives).

The defender, who scored seconds into the second half after David Williams found him in the box and he used his left foot to good effect to deceive Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in goal, was pleased as punch after making his special day a memorable one.  

“I have scored a goal, assisted Roy to score as well. Moreover, we played and won the match as a team. What else could be a better gift for birthday? It’s the most memorable day in my football career.

“I have played in the AFC Cup in the past. But never scored a goal. It was great to score in a continental club competition match. We have to keep winning this way. Want to dedicate this goal to Green & Maroon fans all over the world, those who have watched our match and prayed for our win. We are ready to give our best in the next match also,” he told the ATK Mohun Bagan media team after the game.

The first goal of the game was scored ATK Mohun Bagan’s talisman Roy Krishna who nodded home a Bose header off a Hugo Boumous corner to put his team ahead. The Fijian striker – ‘Hero of the League’ from the 2020-21 Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) -- was happy to score in what was his first-ever game in the AFC Cup. “It was a tough match as well as important for us. But today, we were better in every department. We went there to give our best. It’s great to score in my first AFC Cup match. But I can’t take the credit alone. Hugo’s corner was excellent.

“Subhasish headed the ball perfectly and I just touched it with my head before it went in. We could have scored more goals today. It’s an international platform and this is the best place, where Indian players can prove their ability. Our defenders played brilliantly. The understanding between our defence, midfield and attack was perfect today,” he said.

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Antonio Lopez Habas also was satisfied with his team’s performance and was now looking ahead to their next game against Maldives’ Maziya Sports & Recreation on Saturday.

“It was too hot today and the surface of the ground was dry. Despite the unfriendly conditions [and the fact that] we went into the field after five months [for a competitive game]… I am happy with the responsibility [shown by the players] and their performance. As an opponent BFC is always tough. Wherever we played against them, they are always tough to beat. It was good to beat them by two goals. Our next opponent is unknown to us. We have never played against them. We want to go ahead match by match,” he said.