AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Reigning Federation Cup Champions Mohun Bagan added another feather to their cap when they became the first Indian Club to win a AFC Champions League Preliminary Round 1 match when they beat Singapore’s Tampines Rovers at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on January 27, 2016.

The Mariners got the nod to appear in the AFC Champions League 2016 preliminary round by winning the Hero I-League 2014-15. The Kolkata-based club had the privilege of playing the single leg at home on basis on India’s higher FIFA rank than Singapore.

The star-studded Green & Maroon outfit hit the gas from the kick-off and found the back of the net within 6 minutes when Jeje Lalpekhlua blasted the net from the outside of the penalty box. Trinidad & Tobago striker Cornell Glen followed it up – doubling the lead three minutes before the interval.

Two minutes later, Hanapi halved the gap to provide some respite for the away team.

Katsumi Yusa and Sony Norde dictated the game in the midfield and the visiting team failed to make into the final third to net the elusive equaliser. Six minutes to the final whistle, the Japanese midfielder Katsumi Yusa tapped the final goal to nail the final one in Tampines Rover's coffin.

History was scripted – after all, an Indian Club winning an ACL Qualifier – the first Indian Club to do so.