Mohun Bagan Super Giant Dominates CISF Protectors with 6-0 Victory in Durand Cup
Sahal Abdul Samad's Hat-Trick Leads to Victory
In a stunning display, Sahal Abdul Samad netted a remarkable hat-trick, propelling Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a resounding 6-0 victory over CISF Protectors. This triumph solidified their position at the top of Group 'A' in the 135th Durand Cup, ensuring their advancement to the quarter-finals at Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Monday.
Sahal's three goals all came in the first half, while teammates Manvir Singh, Jamie Maclaren, and Tekcham Abhishek Singh also contributed to the scoreline. Under the guidance of coach Panagiotis Dilimperis, the team concluded the group stage with an impeccable record of three wins out of three matches.
Match Overview
Having already secured six points from their initial two matches, Mohun Bagan's quarter-final qualification was already assured. Conversely, CISF Protectors, after suffering two consecutive defeats, aimed to salvage their campaign with at least a point, but their efforts fell short.
A Dominant Win for the Green and Maroon Brigade
Initially, the Mohun Bagan Super Giant defense, led by captain Mohammed Khalid, withstood several attacks. In the 9th minute, Subhasish Bose tested the CISF goalkeeper with a long-range effort. However, the breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Dejan Drazic delivered a brilliant pass from his own half.
Tekcham Abhishek Singh sprinted down the right flank, and after a deflection, the ball reached Liston Colaco, who selflessly set up Sahal for the opening goal. Just two minutes later, they doubled their advantage. Drazic received a pass from Manvir Singh, advanced down the right, and delivered a cross that Sahal tapped in for his second goal.
The third goal followed in the 24th minute, with Tekcham Abhishek's precise cross being expertly finished by Manvir Singh. Shortly after, Manvir intercepted a misplaced pass and entered the box, but Munish Kumar's timely intervention prevented a certain own goal.
Sahal completed his hat-trick in the 37th minute, showcasing his speed and skill as he dribbled past defenders before scoring with a right-footed shot. Mohun Bagan dominated possession in the first half, holding 75% of the ball, while CISF Protectors managed only one off-target shot. The first half concluded with Mohun Bagan leading 4-0.
Continued Dominance in the Second Half
At halftime, coach Dilimperis made four substitutions, introducing Ashish Rai, Alex Saji, Kiyan Nassiri Giri, and Abhishek Dhananjay Suryavanshi, resulting in an all-Indian lineup for the second half. Despite the changes, the attacking momentum persisted, although they struggled to convert chances into goals.
Manvir attempted a chip over the goalkeeper but missed, and later headed a cross from Ashish Rai wide. Liston's shot was blocked, and Rajkumar Mahato, the CISF goalkeeper, denied Manvir again. The fifth goal finally arrived in the 68th minute when substitute Jamie Maclaren received a clever no-look pass from Sahal and calmly slotted the ball through the keeper's legs.
Just five minutes later, Tekcham Abhishek Singh executed a neat one-two with Liston Colaco, entering the box and scoring with a powerful shot into the roof of the net. Towards the end, CISF Protectors had a chance for a consolation goal when substitute Gaurav Das missed a cross from Jacob C. He later tested Mohun Bagan's keeper, Syed Zahid Hussain, with a free-kick, but Zahid made a crucial save.
In the closing moments, Liston sought a goal but missed his first attempt over the bar and had his next shot saved by the keeper. Ultimately, Mohun Bagan Super Giant concluded their group stage with an impressive 6-0 victory, finishing first in Group 'A' with three wins, while CISF Protectors exited the tournament without earning a point.