Kolkata, May 22 (Agency) A jubilant Liston Colaco paid tribute to his teammates and family after his hat-trick powered city outfit ATK Mohun Bagan to a commanding 4-0 win over Bashundhara Kings (Bangladesh) in Group D of the AFC Cup 2022 here on Saturday evening. Colaco struck in the 24th, 33rd and 53rd minutes with David Williams adding the fourth in the 77th as the Indian side bounced back from their 4-2 defeat to Gokulam Kerala FC on Matchday One to revive their hopes. With Maziya Sports & Recreation defeating Gokulam Kerala 1-0 later on Saturday night, all four teams are on three points heading into Matchday Three. However, the Kolkata outfit a top table of Group D in goal average, scoring six goals and conceded 4 in the last two games. Colaco said his hard work during the off season was the reason for his hat-trick, scored under trying conditions which saw the match delayed for nearly an hour due to adverse weather.
“I worked very hard during the offseason. To score a hat-trick, you have to be calm in the box, and I am happy I was able to achieve it. “I would like to dedicate my hat-trick to my teammates, and my family who have endlessly supported me and to God,” said the Indian international. Head coach Juan Ferrando was delighted with his player’s ability to stick to the game plan. “We played a good team, the players followed the plan of the match. I am happy the supporters enjoyed the match. It was difficult for the first 10 minutes when the match resumed but we were much stronger after the half-time break. “It was a very, very difficult match, but the team felt more comfortable on the pitch, we were psychologically stronger, worked like a real team. The supporters stayed here despite the storm, and that was fantastic.”Bashundhara Kings head coach Oscar Bruzon said the match was lost in the first 30 minutes.
“We made silly mistakes in the first 30 minutes. We couldn’t convert our chances and they were better in the box, and we know that determines a match. “If you remember we were talking about the first 30 minutes, we surprised them by creating so many chances but we did not capitalise. We paid a big price after making mistakes in distribution and defence,” said Bruzon. “With four goals against us, we will have to win with a big margin in the next match and try to finish the competition in the best way possible. “To their credit, the team never lost faith, we created chances till the end, but I have to admit ATK Mohun Bagan were the better side.” The defeat means every kick will take on significance when Bashundhara Kings face Gokulam Kerala on Tuesday while ATK Mohun Bagan will face Maziya in the later match knowing exactly what is required.