ATK Mohun Bagan have made it to the finals of the ISL, defeating Hyderabad FC 4-3 on penalties. The two teams could not find the back of the net even once over the two legs, including the 30 minutes of additional time.
The Nizams’ star player, Bartholomew Ogbeche, missed from the spot during the shootout while Javier Siverio was denied by Vishal Kaith. Club captain Pritam Kotal stepped up and converted the winning penalty to send his side to the finals of the tournament.
The one key element that ATK Mohun Bagan need to win the ISL Cup
Bart Ogbeche and Dimitri Petratos have both been in remarkable form this season, but both were unable to find the back of the net even once in the semi-final. Hyderabad FC’s attacking play was almost completely neutralised, with the Nizams only registering a solitary shot on target during the second leg.
On the flipside, ATK Mohun Bagan took 17 shots and only registered 3 on target. They dominated possession, and had plenty of close calls to kill off the game. But, a lack of clinical finishing prevented them from getting the win earlier.
The penalty shootout reflected the two teams and their different approaches to the game. The reigning champions were eventually unable to beat Kaith all five times. And in spite of a scare following Brendan Hamill’s missed penalty, they avenged the loss from last year’s semi-final.
Bengaluru FC have been much more composed in front of goal, and eliminated Mumbai City FC to earn their spot in the final. As a result, ATK Mohun Bagan will need to be much more cutthroat with their chances in front of goal if they are to win their maiden ISL Cup.
