Sporting hold Bagan

Bagan went into the lead in the 38th minute when Sri Lankan forward Roshan Perera capitalised on a mistake by Sporting goalkeeper Arpan Dey to score. Bagan, playing flowing soccer, was definitely the better side, although the finishing remained their problem.

Towards the closing stages of the first half, Pratap Senapati failed to equalise, squandering a penalty stroke. That mistake, although could have seen them winning the game, failed to change the outcome of the group.Sporting finally equalised through midfielder Somnath Pramanik in the 65th minute, and stubbornly defended their citadel for the rest of the game.

Bagan, knowing well that they had to score to remain in contention, attacked with vigour. However, that was not good enough as the gritty Sporting defence held on to deny them space. Bagan’s desperation was evident when Ranjan Dey, already having seen the yellow card once, committed another foul in the 70th minute and was given the marching orders. Reduced to 10 men, Bagan were in a disadvantageous position towards the end, thus helping Sporting in their task.