Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant secure quarter-final berth in Durand Cup
Mohun Bagan Dominates Group A
Mohun Bagan Super Giant have advanced to the quarter-finals of the 135th Durand Cup after a commanding 6-0 victory over CISF Protectors. The match, held in Kolkata on Monday, saw Mohun Bagan finish at the top of Group A with a perfect record of nine points. This win solidified their position, having already secured a quarter-final spot before this fixture.
The team’s attacking prowess was evident from the start, despite an initial period where the CISF defence held firm. Mohun Bagan maintained significant possession throughout the game, particularly in the first half.
Sahal Abdul Samad’s Hat-Trick Leads the Charge
Sahal Abdul Samad was a key player for Mohun Bagan, scoring a hat-trick in the first half. His first goal came in the 17th minute after a pass from Liston Colaco, who received the ball following a deflection from Tekcham Abhishek Singh‘s effort. Just two minutes later, in the 19th minute, Sahal tapped in his second goal after Manvir Singh set up Dejan Drazic, who then provided a cross.
Sahal completed his hat-trick in the 37th minute. He picked up possession near the halfway line, navigated past several defenders, and delivered a right-footed finish into the net. This performance contributed significantly to Mohun Bagan’s strong lead by halftime.
Additional Goal Scorers and Second-Half Performance
Beyond Sahal’s hat-trick, other players also found the back of the net for Mohun Bagan. Manvir Singh scored in the 24th minute, controlling a cross from Tekcham Abhishek Singh before finding the goal. The team went into the interval with a four-goal lead and 75 per cent possession.
In the second half, coach Panagiotis Dilimperis made four changes, but Mohun Bagan continued to control the game. Jamie Maclaren added a fifth goal in the 68th minute, slotting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs after receiving a through ball from Sahal. Tekcham Abhishek Singh completed the rout in the 73rd minute, finishing into the roof of the net after combining with Liston. CISF Protectors’ attempts late in the game, notably from Gaurab Das and Gurpal Singh, were thwarted by Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Syed Zahid Hussain.
The CISF Protectors were eliminated from the tournament without securing any points, having faced back-to-back defeats. Mohun Bagan’s victory ensures their progression in the 135th Durand Cup.
Other Tournament Results
In another match of the Durand Cup, SC Delhi also secured their place in the quarter-finals as winners of Group C. They achieved this with a 7-1 victory over Indian Air Force FT in Ranchi. Juan Sebastián Peña scored two goals for SC Delhi, with Rodriguinho, Duvan Mina, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Clarence Savio Fernandes, and Richard Ndayishimiye also contributing goals. Samuel K. Vanlalpeka scored the consolation goal for Indian Air Force.
SC Delhi finished their group stage campaign with a perfect record of three wins from three matches, accumulating nine points. Indian Air Force FT remains third in their group with three points from two matches and is scheduled to play Jamshedpur FC in their final group fixture on August 13.
Source: m.rediff.com
