A hat-trick by Australian striker David Williams helped ATK Mohun Bagan qualify for the group stage of the AFC Cup as they defeated Abahani Limited Dhaka 3-1 in the play-off match at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday.
With this win, ATK Mohun Bagan join Kerala FC, Bashundhara Kings (Bangladesh) and Maziya Sports and Recreation (Maldives) in Group D of the AFC Cup.
The home team started the game in attacking mode in front of 31,925 spectators and got the lead in the sixth minute. Liston Colaco, who was very active at the left wing right from the start of the game, gave a through pass to Joni Kauko, who sent a perfect low cross for Williams inside the six-yard box. The Australian then just slotted the ball home with a left-footed volley.
ATK Mohun Bagan got a chance to double their lead in the 21st minute, but Kauko’s shot went over the woodwork.
Williams got his and the team’s second goal in the 30th minute. Prabir Das sent a perfect cross from the right and the striker made no mistake.
Williams could have completed his hat-trick in the 35th minute had he not missed a golden opportunity. In a one-on-one situation his effort hit Abahani goalkeeper Sahidul Alam. Williams did complete his hat-trick, but he had to wait till the 85th minute when he received a through ball from Hugo Boumous, went past the Abahani goalkeeper and scored his third goal.
Boumous and Kauko took control of the midfield and didn’t give much space to the opponents. Thanks to the duo and Colaco, the Abahani defence was under pressure almost throughout the game.
ATK Mohun Bagan made two changes in their starting XI for the play-off game — goalkeeper Amrinder Singh replaced rookie Arsh Anwer and Liston came in place of Kiyan Nassiri.
Amrinder had some anxious moments during the 90 minutes but the goalkeeper was lucky that he didn’t have to pay the price for the mistakes he made.
Costa Rican World-Cupper Daniel Colindres reduced the margin for Abahani in the 60th minute.
Williams, the star of the day, was happy with the team’s performance. “It was a tough game. We were under pressure at a few points but we played well for most of the game. In difficult situations we came out on top and we’re happy.”
“This is my first hat-trick in an AFC meet but I’ve scored a few hat-tricks in my career. Doing it here in front of fans at the Salt Lake Stadium was a great feeling. Without the fans, there is no passion in football. Sometimes the quality in an ISL match fall because the fans aren’t there to push you.”
ATK Mohun Bagan coach Juan Ferrando is, however, not fully satisfied with the performance. “For me, I’m not always fully happy but it’s good to win these games. We played some good football and in 90 minutes it takes a lot of things and a lot of plans to win the games.”
