ATK Mohun Bagan have moved to the semi-finals of the 2022/23 ISL season, after defeating Odisha FC 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium. A goal in each half from Hugo Boumous and Dimitri Petratos helped the team deal a comfortable win and set up a semi-final meeting with Hyderabad FC.
Ashique Kuruniyan picked up an injury early in the game, and had to be substituted. Liston Colaco came on for his injured teammate, and proved to be a constant threat for Odisha during the match.
ATK Mohun Bagan qualify for ISL semifinals
Vishal Kaith was also injured during the game, suffering a blow to the head during a free-kick situation. The goalkeeper had to be replaced by Arsh Shaikh, and was rushed to the hospital. It remains unclear whether he will be back in time for the semi-final.
“Our plan was to find space behind their right and left-backs. Obviously, it was difficult because after one moment in the match, we had to change some details due to the injury to Ashique. Ashique is different from Liston. This is the first time we played Carl (McHugh) and Puitea together, since the away game to Chennaiyin FC,” Juan Ferrando said in the post-match press conference.
“It was necessary to change the plans. It’s different when you play Bengaluru FC or Odisha FC. The press is different (and other details). Every match is different and the plans as well. The players in this case were magnificent all the time. After 1-0, we were more comfortable on the field,” he added.
ATK Mohun Bagan were defeated by Hyderabad FC last season, as they went on to win the Cup. But this season, things could turn around differently for the Mariners given their reinforced squad.
