Gurgaon, April 26 (IANS) A late strike from Jose Ramires Barreto guided Mohun Bagan to their third trophy of the season, beating I-League champions Churchill Brothers 2-1 in the one-off Super Cup tie at the Devilal Sports Complex here Sunday.
Federation Cup winners Mohun Bagan took the lead in the 21st minute through N.S. Manju's header but an own goal from Dipak Mondal in the 45th minute neutralised the advantage. It was then left to Brazilian striker Baretto who nodded in the 88th minute to score the winner for the Kolkata team.
Having lost badly in their last two matches against Mahindra United (in I-League) and Kuwait SC (in AFC Cup), nothing less than a win could have been apt for Mohun Bagan to cap off the season.
Mohun Bagan, who finished runners-up in the I-League after losing to Mahindra in the final round, opened confidently under the burning sun with skipper Bhaichung Bhutia and Baretto running in hard.
Mohun Bagan could have taken an early lead, but Bhutia missed a sitter in the 10th minute when he had an open net but shot wide. The well marked Bhutia got another chance after he was fed by L. James Singh's well directed shot but his header was off target again.
Defender Manju then came up and nodded in from James' flag-kick as Mohun Bagan took the lead in the 21st minute.
After taking the lead, Mohun Bagan looked relaxed. And that allowed Reisangmi Vashum to sneak into the box and his shot kissed Mondal's legs into the net.
Churchill showed more intent in the second half with their star striker Odafe Onyeka Okolie trying to making some inroads but Mondal atoned for his own goal by making some excellent sliding clearance.
Churchill were completely caught off-gaurd when Mohan Raj, against the run of play, crossed to a waiting Baretto, who headed into the net as Mohun Bagan pocketed th Rs.1 million prize money while the I-League champions were left licking their wounds.
Mohun Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa said that that it was a great way to end the season by beating a champion team like Churchill.
Skipper Bhutia was equally elated and said: 'We have played well through out the season. The players have been in fine form and the coach was supportive too. It was a complete package from Mohun Bagan.'
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