Mohun Bagan Super Giant can only manage a goalless draw against Ravshan Kulob in the AFC Champions League

Calcutta (West Bengal) [India]September 19 (ANI): Defending Indian Super League (ISL) champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) played out a goalless draw against Ravshan Kulob of Tajikistan in their AFC Champions League 2 Group A match.

The match took place on Wednesday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Both teams had chances, but neither could take advantage of the decisive moments, so the spoils in the first group game were shared.

Jose Molina made five changes to the team that drew 2-2 with Mumbai City FC, with Manvir Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri and Tom Aldred replacing Liston Colaco, Greg Stewart, Alberto Rodriguez, Apuia and Abhishek Suryavanshi in the starting lineup.

It took a while for the game to really get going and it was not until the 27th minute that the goalkeepers had to intervene. Vishal Kaith made an excellent save and prevented the visitors from taking the lead in the first half hour.

The first half was drawing to a close with both teams neutralising each other and giving the other few clear chances to take the lead.

The guests started the second half promisingly and put the home team under pressure. However, it was only with a strong defensive move by Anirudh Thapa that the guests were able to prevent a breakthrough.

The Mariners came into the game slowly and finished strongly. Jason Cummings had a great chance to break the deadlock in the 74th minute, but his lobbed attempt was skilfully saved.

Mohun Bagan SG then had two great chances in the final minutes. Colaco had a clear view of goal in the 88th minute but shot wide before Dimitri Petratos was able to parry his effort in the second minute of stoppage time.

In the end, none of the teams could determine the winner as the points were shared in Calcutta.

The Mariners (MBSG) will play away against Tractor SC in their next ACL 2 match. Their next assignment in the ISL is a home match against NorthEast United FC on Monday. (ANI)