Ahead of their title decider against Aizawl, Mohun Bagan fell to a 1-0 defeat by Maldivian side Maziya S&RC to leave their hopes of qualifying for the next stage hanging by a thread.
Sanjoy Sen once again prioritised the league ahead of continental success Jeje Lalpekhlua and Balwant Singh were the only regulars in a side otherwise filled with reserves and squad players.
Bagan’s experimental side almost took the lead when Balwant swivelled with the ball just outside the box and then turned to shoot as the opposition keeper just about got his fingers to the fierce strike, tipping it onto the bar.
Ali Samooh’s ball was deflected by Souvik Chakraborti and it fell to Mohamed Umair who glided past Kinshuk Debnath and placed it in the far corner, giving keeper Shibinraj Kunniyil no chance as Maziya took a shock lead.
Sen tried reversing the situation in the second half bringing both captain Katsumi Yusa and derby hero Azharuddin Mallick on but Maziya were not to be denied as they held on for their second win in the group stage, leapfrogging Bagan, even after having Milos Kovacevic sent off for a second yellow with six minutes of regulation time to be played.
Bagan are now six points behind leaders Bengaluru FC at the halfway stage of the competition, with only one team qualifying from each group.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!