Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Machhindra FC’s journey in the AFC Cup came to an end with a 1-3 defeat against India’s Mohun Bagan Sporting Giant at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Wednesday.
Mohun Bagan took the lead in the 39th minute when Anwar Ali’s superb header off the corner kick delivered by Hugo Boumous found the back of Machhindra’s net. The Indian Super League (ISL) team extended the lead in the 59th minute, as Jason Cummings sprinted forward after receiving the ball from Dimitri and guided past Machhindra’s goalkeeper Bishal Shrestha.
In the 74th minute, substitute Laken Limbu launched a right-footed shot toward Mohun Bagan’s goal. But his attempt soared over the crossbar. In the 76th minute, Machhindra was awarded a free-kick which Messuoke Oloumou utilized to score a beautiful goal.
Machhindra persevered in its quest for an equalizer, but Anwar Ali secured his brace with a header off Dimitri’s pass, sealing the victory for Mohun Bagan.
Mohun Bagan will now meet Abahani Limited Dhaka who earlier on the day defeated Club Eagles of the Maldives 2-1.
This is Machhindra’s second participation in AFC Cup. In last year’s edition, Machhindra was defeated by Blue Star of Sri Lanka in the first preliminary round at the Dasharath Stadium.
