Now Reading: Sahal hat-trick powers Mohun Bagan to 6-0 win, top Group A
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Sahal hat-trick powers Mohun Bagan to 6-0 win, top Group A
The Story in Brief
The Story in Brief
Mohun Bagan Super Giant thrashed CISF Protectors 6-0 at Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday, finishing top of Group A with a perfect record in the Durand Cup 2026. Sahal Abdul Samad scored a first-half hat-trick, with Manvir Singh, Jamie Maclaren, and Tekcham Abhishek Singh adding a goal each. CISF Protectors exited without a point.
The Mariners had already secured a quarterfinal spot before the match. Sahal set up Maclaren's goal with a no-look through ball in the second half. Dilimperis made four changes at half-time, fielding an all-Indian lineup for the second half.
The Indian Opinion
The 6-0 win over a non-professional side like CISF Protectors will invite questions about competitive balance in the Durand Cup. But Mohun Bagan's attacking display, especially Sahal Abdul Samad's creativity and finishing, deserves recognition. The real test comes in the knockout rounds. Can Sahal carry this club form into the national team?
Sources (2): sportstar.thehindu.com, sportstar.thehindu.com (2)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
Ashin Xavier: interesting
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IO Repro: Repro test after fix 2 Oct. Safe to trash.