Kolkata, Oct 20, 2019: Young Elephants of Laos staged a massive upset in Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup when they beat Mohun Bagan by 2-1 margin. Young Elephant FC with young group of home-grown players, fought back from a goal down to cancel out Mohun Bagan’s early lead. Mariners conceded another one in the dying minutes and their chances to qualify from this group to knock out round is in jeopardy.

Mohun Bagan took the lead in the 18th minute when Joseba Beitia’s corner was headed towards the far post by Salva Chamorro where Julen Colinas met the ball with a diving header. Mariners lost the plot in the midway of first half and midfield started losing control of the ball too easily. Young Elephants FC capitalized on one such mistake in the 42nd Minute of the game when Fran Gonzalez lost control of a ball in the midfield and from quick counter attack Somxay Keohanam scored the equalizer with a smart chip after Chanthachone Thinolath had set him up. In the lemon break both teams were tied at 1-1. Mohun Bagan came back with a greater purpose in the second half and started attacking right from the beginning. Kibu brought in Suhair VP to bolster the attack but could not breach the Young Elephant FC defence. Both sides had chances to win the game in the second half as a brilliant 25-yard strike in the 72nd minute from Keohanam ricocheted off the crossbar before Mohun Bagan were awarded a penalty in the 86th minute after Julen Colinas was brought down inside the box. Young Elephants were reduced to 10 men for that offence but Beita’s weak effort was blocked by Young Elephants goalkeeper. The defender released the ball early for a quick counter attack and Somxay Keohanam scored his second with a brilliant volley to increase the lead. The injury time of 5 minutes did not make any difference in the score and young Laos side emerged victorious.

Mohun Bagan meet TC Sports Club of Maldives in a must win tie on 23rd October in the same venue.