Indian Super League (ISL) club Mohun Bagan Super Giant scored six past Indian Air Force FT to go on top of Group A above arch-rivals East Bengal FC on the virtue of goal difference in the 133rd Indian Oil Durand Cup, which was played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. This result makes the Kolkata Derby on August 18 a must-win affair for both sides to decide the group winners and a place in the knockouts.

Jason Cummings scored a brace, one in each half, and Thomas Aldred, Greg Stewart, Anirudh Thapa, and Liston Colaco scored the other goals for the Mariners.

Head coach Jose Molina returned to the sidelines as Mohun Bagan SG fielded their star players for the game, with only Suhail Bhatt, Thomas Aldred, and Abhishek Suryavanshi keeping their place in the side from the last game. On the other hand, Indian Air Force head coach Priya Darshan fielded a similar-looking side for their last match in the tournament.

Mohun Bagan SG took the lead in the fourth minute as they compounded pressure on the Indian Air Force’s defense, forcing them to give away the ball to the Mariners. Sahal Abdul Samad put Jason Cummings through on goal inside the box, and the Aussie striker put it past the goalie for the first goal of the game.

The Mariners continued to pile in the pressure on the Air Force men and scored their second within six minutes. Liston Colaco’s free-kick was met by Suhail Bhatt, whose glancing header was saved by the keeper, Subhajit Basu, but the rebound fell in the path of Thomas Aldred, who smashed the ball inside the net.

There was complete one-way traffic in the game, with the Mariners putting relentless pressure on the Air Force men. Colaco generated numerous attacks down the left wing as he was continuously tormenting the defense with his trickery and pace. The winger deservedly got his goal in the 38th minute as Samad rolled the ball onto the path of Colaco, and his first-time shot flew past the goalkeeper and found the net. Mohun Bagan SG were in total control of the game as the opposition barely threatened the Mariners’ box, with Vishal Kaith being a mere spectator between the sticks.

Mohun Bagan SG continued to dominate proceedings in the second half. Suhail and Cummings missed opportunities to increase the score. The Air Force FT defended better in the second half, but their resilience was broken by Anirudh Thapa’s blinder. The substitute hit a first-time volley from the edge of the box, which found the bottom corner of the post. Cummings completed his brace with a lovely left-footed finish to score the fifth for his side.

Mohun Bagan were in no mood to slow down their attack as they pushed ahead to score more and keep their goal difference on the higher side. New signing Greg Stewart scored the sixth goal with a clever finish after being set up by Cummings, rounding off a wonderful performance and warming up for the big derby against East Bengal FC.

FC Goa beat Tribhuwan Army FC to claim the top spot in Group F

ISL side FC Goa secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Tribhuwan Army FC in a tightly contested Durand Cup 2024 group stage match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Thursday. The win has propelled the young Gaurs to the top of Group F, setting them up for a strong finish in the group stage.

FC Goa took the lead almost immediately after kickoff, with Lalthangliana finding the back of the net in the first minute. The early goal set the tone for the Gaurs, who maintained their intensity throughout the first half.

The second half saw FC Goa double their advantage, with Sitroy Carvalho netting in the 50th minute after a well-orchestrated team move following a corner kick. Despite the two-goal cushion, Tribhuwan Army refused to back down and pulled one back in the 66th minute through Basant Jimba, who capitalized on a lapse in FC Goa's defense before finishing from far out.

In the final stages, FC Goa managed to fend off the Nepali side's advances, securing all three points and climbing to the top of Group F.

To ensure chances of qualification to the Durand Cup 2024 knockout stages, Israil Gurung’s boys will now have to at least register a draw against Shillong Lajong, whom they will meet on Saturday, August 17, in their final group stage assignment.

 

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Mohun Bagan Super GiantFC Goa2023-2024