The Durand Cup is said to be a tournament capable of big surprises and that was certainly on show at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday as Indian Super League giants ATK Mohun Bagan slumped to a humiliating 3-2 loss against minnows Rajasthan United in their frist match of the tournament.
The 131st edition of the Durand Cup has already witnessed probably its biggest upset on Saturday night in Kolkata. I-League side Rajasthan United, founded as recently as 2018, took on Indian Super League giants ATK Mohun Bagan and came out on the other side after a thrilling 3-2 triumph.
The lucrative side representing the Kolkata giants and assembled by former manager Juan Ferrando, who are aspiring for continental recognition, came up short against a spirited side who failed to bow down to the likes of Florentin Pogba, Joni Kauko and Hugo Boumous.
Concerns of ATKMB having its fair share of problems in front of goal after offloading the striker duo of Roy Krishna and David Williams were further proven correct as they lacked the usual clinical edge upfront. The method of passing and building out from the back that Ferrando has insisted on time and time again also looks like a vulnerability for the Mariners who were out of their depth against United.
The Mariners found the lead of the contest through a goal from youngster Kiyan Nassiri late in the first half. However, Rajasthan were quick to respond Bektur Amangeldiev, who restored parity to the contest.
ATK Mohun Bagan got their noses ahead once again with new signing Ashique Kuruniyan scoring on his debut, but once again, the opponents had an answer as they crawled their way back through Lalremsanga at the hour mark.
The legacy giants then surprisingly missed at least five clear-cut chances in front of goal during the final 20 minutes of the contest, and they had to pay for it after Gyamar Nikum scored in the fifth minute of injury time and helping Rajasthan cause an early upset heading into the season.
Ferrando and his men could hardly believe what they had just witnessed and will need a stronger reply in their second outing in the Durand Cup.
Meanwhile, at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, the second half of the contest between Red Army and Chennaiyin saw four goals shared two a piece between the two teams.
Lethaolen Khongsai and Liton Shil scored twice to deny the ISL giants, who fielded a pretty strong XI the win and secure an unlikely point in the Durand Cup.
