Indian Super League: ATK Mohun Bagan share spoils with Odisha in first goalless draw of season
The Indian Super League clash between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC ended in a goalless draw at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on December 15
Image credit: pia.images.co.uk ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC ended in a drawATK Mohun Bagan kept a clean sheet for the fourth consecutive time as Odisha failed to find a decisive touch despite maintaining firm control of the possession throughout the contest.
Odisha retain an unbeaten record on home ground as the clash ended as the first goalless draw of the season.
Both sides created several clear-cut opportunities within regulation time but failed to make much of the chances.
ATK Mohun Bagan had a few selection issues due to bad luck with the injuries in the squad.
Fardin Molla made his first ISL start for ATK Mohun Bagan after Hugo Boumous was dropped to the bunch. Brendan Hamill returned to the defence, while Lenny Rodrigues was replaced.
Carl McHugh got close to opening the scoring for ATK Mohun Bagan in the 42nd minute after Liston Colaco turned the ball back from the left flank. However, his shot failed to find the back of the net as Amrinder Singh made an excellent save.
Odisha discovered their footing in the match's second half and took control of the game. They built pressure and created opportunities, but Narender Gahlot's attempt would fly wide, while Raynier's shot in the 69th minute was headed into the bar by McHugh.
Osama Malik got extremely close to breaking the deadlock for Odisha FC with just two minutes left in the match, but his close-range header was tipped over the crossbar by Vishal Kaith.
Head coach of ATK Mohun Bagan, Ferrand, said, "It is a difficult situation for us at the moment because we have a lot of injuries. We have only three foreign players at times and sometimes. We push for four. Also, with Indian players, we have had injuries. They are out for one or two months like Manvir and Engson. It's difficult."
ATK Mohun Bagan now stands at the third spot on the standings with 20 points from ten matches, one point ahead of Odisha with 19 points from ten clashes.
ATK Mohun Bagan will lock horns with NorthEast United in their next Indian Super League clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on December 24.