Mohun Bagan hammer Salgaocar 6-1
M Bagan 6 Salgaocar 1
HERALD SPORTS REPORTER
PANJIM, SEPT 26
It was just a matter of one point for the Karim Bencherifa coached side, but it turned out to be disaster for Salgaocar as they went down to Mohun Bagan 1-6 in the crucial Group D Federation Cup encounter at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on Sunday.
Jose Ramirez Barreto led from the front when it mattered the most and the Bagan’s talismanic striker scored a superb hat-trick in the very first half, while Muritala Ali too scored his first hat-trick in Mohun Bagan’s colour before Ryuji Sueoka netted a consolation goal for Salgaocar.
The 12th minute marked the beginning of the rout as Barreto headed in captain Ishfaq Ahmed’s corner, while he doubled Bagan’s lead ten minutes later. One present there expected a neck-to-neck encounter, but it became a one-sided affair as Muritala Ali made it 3-0 a minute later.
Bagan’s Brazilian prolific striker then completed his hat-trick in the 34th minute before Muritala completed his brace in the 40th minute to score the green and maroons fifth goal.
Barreto was replaced by Ashim Biswas in the 50th minute but Muritala continued his devastating form and bagged his third down the wire before Ryuji Sueoka, who came in for Subhas Singh scored the only goal for Salgaocar in the 83rd minute.
With strikers on rampage, Mohun Bagan naïve defence too showed a great character which is welcome sign for Stanley Rozario before the crucial semi-final.
This win also marks Mohun Bagan’s biggest victory over Salgaocar. Mohun Bagan will play I-League champions Dempo SC in the second semi-final to be played on September 30.
In another match, Shillong Lajong played a goalless draw.
Standings: Mohun Bagan (7), Salgaocar (4), Shillong Lajong FC (2), Mumbai FC (2).
