The stars of the Hero ISL have carried their good form into the Hero Federation Cup as the prestigious tournament progressed into the new year. Romeo Fernandes (FC Goa), Tolgay Özbey (FC Goa), Dudu Omagbemi (FC Pune City) and Biswajit Saha (Atlético de Kolkata) have been decisive in front of goal for their respective Hero Federation Cup teams.Mumbai FC emerged 1-0 victors against Sporting Clube de Goa on December 30 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. Mumbai players Jayesh Rane (Chennaiyin FC) and Mohammed Rafi (Atlético de Kolkata) looked lively right from the start, almost putting Mumbai ahead in the first few minutes. Climax Lawrence (Atlético de Kolkata) also looked dangerous with a strike from distance as he also provided the teasing ball that led to a rebound goal for Mumbai FC.A Shillong Lajong side constituted mainly of NorthEast United FC players succumbed to Salgaocar FC 2-1 on December 31, with Subrata Paul (Mumbai City FC) putting in a fine performance that granted the Goan side the win. Paul was in good form again in Salgaocar’s next outing, a 4-1 win over Mohun Bagan, with the keeper being named man of the match.Dudu Omagbemi (FC Pune City) turned out to be the match-winner for East Bengal as they beat 10-man Royal Wahingdoh. The match was also played on December 31 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda and showcased a number of ISL players. Abhishek Das (Chennaiyin FC), Mehtab Hossain (Kerala Blasters FC), Lalrindika Ralte (Mumbai City FC) and Joaquim Abranches (FC Pune City) turned out for East Bengal. Two FC Pune City players linked up to get the goal as Dudu headed home from a Joaquim cross.Dempo SC thrashed Sporting Clube de Goa 4-1 with all four goals coming from FC Goa players, Tolgay Özbey (FC Goa) and Romeo Fernandes (FC Goa). Özbey bagged a hat trick as he opened the scoring in the 11th minute from a Mandar Rao Desai (FC Goa) pass. The Australian also went on to score two more goals from the penalty spot either side of halftime. Fernandes found the net with a composed finish from a cutback from fellow FC Goa player Alwyn George.Sporting Clube de Goa won their first game in the Hero Federation Cup as they beat Royal Wahingdoh 2-1 on the back of a stunning solo goal from striker Biswajit Saha (Atlético de Kolkata). Saha sprinted from 40 yards out to meet Mauvin Borges’ cross before he tapped passed the goalkeeper at the near post in the dying minutes of the game.
