MOHAMMEDAN SPORTING WERE defeated 2-1 by Diamond Harbour FC in the CFL today.
The result stands as one of the biggest upsets of the season so far.
Mohammedan, who play in the I-League, are the defending CFL champions, playing at their own stadium in front of a big crowd, and coming off three back to back wins. Diamond Harbour were the undefeated table toppers in Group A; but they were not seen as the favourites against a major club like MSC.
The first half was hard fought. Then, at the hour mark, Beneston Barreto drew the first blood for Mohammedan, putting them 1-0 ahead.
But things turned around fast. Just minutes later, Diamond Harbour got a penalty and Rahul Kumar Paswan converted from the spot. Not just that, he once again scored with a brilliant header from a difficult angle a further few minutes later.
10 minutes after going 1-0 down, Diamond Harbour FC were 2-1 up. The club, coached by former Mohun Bagan head coach Kibu Vicuna, held onto the lead and managed to clinch the win, leaving the capacity crowd disheartened.
The race to Super Six round in Group A does look like a 3 team affair now; between Diamond Harbour, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting. But the way DHFC are making waves, their mileage may take them beyond just group leader status.