Mohun Bagan Super Giant overwhelmed the Indian Air Force team with a resounding 6-0 victory in their second match of the 133rd Durand Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday. This decisive win propelled Mohun Bagan to the top of Group A, surpassing their traditional rivals Emami East Bengal on goal difference, as both teams remain tied with six points from two wins each.
The match showed Mohun Bagan’s attacking prowess, with Australian forward Jason Cummings leading the charge by scoring two goals. He was well-supported by teammates Anirudh Thapa, Liston Colaco, and Scottish players Thomas Aldred and Greg Stewart, who each contributed a goal to the team’s impressive tally. This fixture marked the first instance of the new season where Mohun Bagan fielded the majority of its first team, guided by their Spanish head coach, Jose Molina.
Mohun Bagan’s offensive strategy was evident from the outset, as they swiftly established their dominance on the field. Jason Cummings opened the scoring in the 4th minute, setting the tone for what would be a prolific display of attacking football. Thomas Aldred added a second goal just six minutes later, doubling the lead and putting the Indian Air Force team on the back foot early in the game.
Liston Colaco further extended the lead in the 38th minute, capping off a solid first-half performance. Anirudh Thapa, who has been instrumental in the midfield, scored in the 65th minute, ensuring that Mohun Bagan maintained their momentum throughout the match.
Cummings added his second and the team’s fifth goal in the 76th minute, while Greg Stewart sealed the comprehensive victory with a stoppage-time goal.
This victory sets the stage for an intense clash against Emami East Bengal on August 18, which will determine the final standings of Group A and the contender for the quarterfinals. With both teams level on points, the Derby clash promises to be a fiercely contested match, with Mohun Bagan holding a slight advantage due to their superior goal average.
Meanwhile, in Group F action at Shillong, former ISL shield winner FC Goa managed to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army FC, despite playing with 10 men.
The victory was crucial for FC Goa, as it placed them at the top of the group table with six points. Lalthangliana opened the scoring for FC Goa in the first minute, and Sitroy Carvalho added a second goal in the 50th minute. Although Basant Jimba scored for Tribhuvan Army FC in the 66th minute, FC Goa held on to claim the win and maintain their perfect record in the tournament.
As Mohun Bagan and Emami East Bengal prepare for their much-anticipated Derby clash, both teams will be eager to secure the top spot in Group A and advance to the quarterfinals. Mohun Bagan’s impressive display against the Indian Air Force team highlights their potential as strong contenders in the Durand Cup, while FC Goa’s resilience in overcoming adversity further cements their status as a formidable force in Group F.
