New Delhi, Oct 16: Football can be a game of fine margins, where a single goal can transform a player’s evening, restore fading confidence and change the narrative surrounding a difficult run of form. For Liston Colaco, however, the road back to his best may require more than one defining moment. It will take patience, trust and the reassurance that his team continues to believe in him.

As Mohun Bagan Super Giant recovered from a first-half deficit to defeat Sporting Club Delhi 2-1 in the MG Indian Super League 2026/27 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday, Colaco’s individual journey offered a compelling subplot to the Mariners’ comeback. Substituted in the second half, the winger remains a player whose immense ability is matched by the expectations he carries, both from himself and from those who follow the club.

Beyond the Substitution: A Coach’s Unwavering Faith

For head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, Colaco’s current predicament is not a question of quality. Instead, it is about managing the pressure that can accompany a player with a distinguished career and a history of significant achievements.

“Liston Colaco is a very humble person with a tremendous career and many achievements behind him. Sometimes, the pressure he puts on himself can affect his confidence,” Dilmperis said in the post-match conference, acknowledging the emotional demands that can accompany the pursuit of consistent performances.

The coach was equally clear that a difficult spell would not diminish his faith in the winger. “I have not lost faith in him. We have had many conversations, and I love him as a person. He is part of this club’s history, and I respect him,” he added.

Dilmperis also stressed that Colaco would continue to receive opportunities to find his rhythm. “I will give him opportunities and playing time until he finds his rhythm again and can contribute to the team’s success.”

The message was one of patience rather than pressure, reinforcing the coach’s belief that Colaco can rediscover his best form with the right support.

One Goal Away: Erwin’s Message of Belief

Colaco’s support extends beyond the touchline. Teammate Lee Erwin, who scored Mohun Bagan’s equaliser in the 56th minute before Miguel Figueira completed the turnaround four minutes later, believes the winger may be closer to a breakthrough than it appears.

“We are all together as a team, and we try to give each other confidence. Speaking personally, scoring goals gives me confidence, and I believe it is similar for Liston,” Erwin said after Mohun Bagan’s win.

The forward also revealed that the two regularly work together after training, spending additional time on shooting practice. Those sessions have given Erwin a close-up view of Colaco’s ability and determination.

“I work with him every day after training. We do additional shooting practice, and he has immense quality. I feel he is perhaps just one goal away from regaining his confidence,” he added.

Erwin believes football can turn on a single moment of inspiration. “Sometimes, all it takes is that one moment, a goal for a striker or a big save for a goalkeeper-to change everything.”

He urged Colaco to remain committed to his work, expressing confidence that the winger would find his way back.

“He just needs to keep working hard and doing what he is doing. He has great quality, and I am sure the team will continue to support him,” Erwin said.

For Colaco, the challenge now is to turn that backing into performances that reflect his ability. Mohun Bagan’s comeback against SC Delhi showed the value of persistence when circumstances are difficult. The same principle could prove crucial in the winger’s own journey.

His second-half substitution may have ended his involvement on Friday, but it does not have to define his season. At a club where expectations are high, and the spotlight rarely dims, confidence can be difficult to rebuild. Yet the message from his coach and teammate is unmistakable: Colaco does not have to find his way back alone.