Mohun Bagan Super Giant secure quarter-final spot in Durand Cup
Mohun Bagan Dominates Group Stage
Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 135th Durand Cup with a commanding 6-0 victory over CISF Protectors. The win on Monday ensured Mohun Bagan finished at the top of Group A with a perfect nine points, having won all their group stage matches. The CISF Protectors, in contrast, exited the tournament without earning any points.
The Kolkata-based team had already confirmed their quarter-final berth prior to this match, following victories in their initial two games. Despite having already qualified, Mohun Bagan displayed a strong attacking performance from the start of the match at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
First-Half Hat-Trick for Sahal Abdul Samad
The resistance from the CISF Protectors‘ defence, initially marshalled by captain Mohammad Khalid, was eventually broken in the 17th minute. Dejan Dražić initiated the first goal, delivering a pass from his own half to release Tekcham Abhishek Singh. His effort took a deflection, finding Liston Colaco, who then set up Sahal Abdul Samad for the opening goal.
Just two minutes later, Sahal Abdul Samad doubled Mohun Bagan‘s lead. Manvir Singh played a pass to Dejan Dražić on the right, and the Serbian delivered a cross for Sahal to tap in his second goal. Manvir Singh then extended the lead to 3-0 in the 24th minute, controlling an incoming cross from Tekcham Abhishek Singh before finding the back of the net.
Sahal Abdul Samad completed his hat-trick in the 37th minute. He picked up possession near the halfway line, advanced past several defenders, and scored with a right-footed finish. This individual effort capped off a dominant first half for Mohun Bagan, who maintained 75 percent possession and went into the interval with a four-goal advantage.
Second-Half Goals and Continued Control
Despite coach Panagiotis Dilimperis making four changes at halftime, Mohun Bagan continued to control the game. Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco had further attempts on goal before the team added their fifth.
Sahal Abdul Samad provided a through ball to substitute Jamie Maclaren, who remained composed to score by slotting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs in the 68th minute. Tekcham Abhishek Singh then completed the scoring in the 73rd minute, combining with Liston Colaco before finishing into the roof of the net.
Towards the end of the match, CISF Protectors created some opportunities through Gaurab Das and Gurpal Singh, but Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Syed Zahid Hussain maintained a strong presence in goal, ensuring a clean sheet for his side.
Other Group Stage Results
In another match, SC Delhi also secured their place in the quarter-finals by routing Indian Air Force FT 7-1, becoming the winners of Group C. Juan Sebastián Peña scored twice for SC Delhi, with additional goals coming from Rodriguinho, Duvan Mina, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Clarence Savio Fernandes, and Richard Ndayishimiye. Samuel K. Vanlalpeka scored the lone goal for Indian Air Force.
SC Delhi concluded their group stage campaign with a perfect record of three wins from three matches, accumulating nine points. Indian Air Force FT remained third in their group with three points from two matches and are scheduled to play Jamshedpur FC in their final group fixture on August 13.
Source: theprint.in
