Ravshan Kulob of Tajikistan held the defending Indian Super League (ISL) champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), to a scoreless draw in their Group A matchup in the AFC Champions League 2.

On Wednesday, the game was played in Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

In the group opener, both sides had opportunities, but none was able to take advantage of the critical moments, and the points were split.

Manvir Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, and Tom Aldred entered the starting lineup in place of Liston Colaco, Greg Stewart, Alberto Rodriguez, Apuia, and Abhishek Suryavanshi. Jose Molina made five changes to the team that drew 2-2 with Mumbai City FC.

The goalkeepers weren’t put into action until the 27th minute, as the game took some time to heat up. Within the opening thirty minutes, Vishal Kaith made an incredible stop to keep the visitors from taking the lead.

As the first half came to an end, both sides neutralized one another, giving the other side little clear-cut opportunities to grab the lead.

The home team was under pressure from the visitors’ early second-half surge, and Anirudh Thapa had to make a powerful block to save the visitors from taking the lead.

The Mariners gradually took control of the game and were victorious in the end. In the 74th minute, Jason Cummings had a great opportunity to end the tie, but his chip shot was superbly saved.

Then, in the last seconds, Mohun Bagan SG had two excellent opportunities. In the second minute of stoppage time, Dimitri Petratos’ attempt was saved, while Colaco missed the mark with a clean look at goal in the 88th minute.

As the points were shared in Kolkata, no side was able to emerge victorious in the end.

The Mariners (MBSG) will play their next ACL 2 game away from home against Tractor SC. Monday’s home match versus NorthEast United FC is their next ISL assignment.