Mohun Bagan contiued their bad patch when they were forced to a 1-1 draw by Sporting Clube-de-Goa in their third fixture of the National I-league Football Championship in Kolkata on Sunday.

After a barren first half, Brazilian Jose Ramirez Baretto put Bagan in the lead two minutes after the resumption, while Nigerian striker Elijah restored parity 10 minutes later.

Having some of the top footballers of the country in their fold and Brazilian Carlos Roberto Pereira da Silva as their coach, Bagan lost their first two matches against Viva Kerala [Images] (1-2) and JCT Phagwara (1-3). It displayed another
lacklusture show to share points with the Goan outfit.

Though Bagan had an edge in the first half, it failed to cash in on the chances they created. They came close in the 40th minute, but Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia failed to head home a Douglas centre.

Bagan, took the lead after the break when Douglas sent a nice pass to Baretto and the latter slotted home with a prompt shot. But the lead was shortlived as Sporting equalised soon.

Collecting a ball in his own hub, Sporting midfielder Bibiano Fernandes passed the ball to Joseph Pereira who, after dodging past a Bagan defender, gave it to Elijah who made no mistake.

Earlier, in the 50th minute, Sporting almost earned a goal but their midfielder Micky Fernandes' powerful drive rebounded off the post.

Five minutes before the long whistle, Bagan came close again, but a Bhutia shot off a Douglas D'Silva pass was off target.