Chennai: Haitian international Sony Norde’s opportunistic strike in 77th minute helped Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan maintain pole position by beating Chennai City FC 2-1 in a fourth round encounter of the I-League football tournament, here on Saturday.
It was their first away match and Sanjoy Sen’s boys did well to come back from a goal behind after Brazilian Marcos Tank’s 52nd minute goal put the local team in lead.
However the joy was shortlived with India international Jeje Lalpekhlua tapped home from close range in the 56th minute.
Bagan now have 12 points from four games and along with Bengaluru FC are firm contenders for the I-League title as it has been the case for the last few seasons.
Chennai City coach Robin Charles Raja rung in five changes with Karanjit Singh, former Afganistan captain Amiri, Marcos Tank, Edwin and Raju Yumnum being given starts.
Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, made just the one change with with Bikramjit Singh starting the match.
While Karanjit pulled off two good saves off Darryl Duffy’s attempts, he was splendid as he dived to his right in the 38th minute to save a spot-kick taken by Norde.
The penalty was awarded after stopper Joseph Clemente brought down Norde in the box. But Karanjit proved to be equal to his task. (PTI)
