Mohammedan Sporting Club ended their Durand Cup group campaign in an emphatic fashion, producing a dominant all-round display to ease past BSF FT 3-0 in a Group B clash in Kolkata on Thursday.
From the outset, the Kolkata giants looked determined to bounce back from their first two defeats and it took them just five minutes to get on the scoresheet. A penalty was coolly converted by their experienced Sajal Bag, who showed composure under pressure to give his side an early lead.
The early goal rattled BSF and Mohammedan took full advantage.
After a powerful strike was saved by goalkeeper Harpreet Singh, Mohammedan capitalised on the rebound with a swift and ruthless finish from Maxion, doubling their advantage and sending their supporters into frenzy in the 21st minute.
The attacking intent didn't waver as the half progressed, with the midfield trio orchestrating smart passing patterns and stretching the BSF defense.
The highlight of the half came in the 35th minute when Mohammedan SC added a third with a beautifully-worked team goal. A precise cross from the right flank found Maxion lurking inside the box.
With perfect vision and awareness, he slammed the ball past the helpless goalkeeper to complete a superb move. BSF had a chance to respond late in the half when Kishori found Navjot Singh with a low ball across the face of goal, but the forward failed to convert.
With a comfortable cushion from the first-half, the local side adopted a more controlled approach after the break, focusing on retaining possession and absorbing pressure.
BSF showed glimpses of resurgence, with Kishori Singh orchestrating a few promising moves from midfield and Navjot Singh finding himself in a great position, only to miss a golden opportunity that could have reduced the deficit.
Despite BSF's growing urgency, Mohammedan's backline, led by their composed defenders, could not be breached. Substitute Shiba Mandi added energy to Mohammedan's attack and came close to extending the lead, but his strike narrowly missed the target.
NEROCA FC, Indian Navy shares spoils
In the day's first match, in Imphal, NEROCA FC and Indian Navy FT played out a goalless draw in their Group F outing.
Both sides failed to find the finishing touch in a match in which midfielders and defenders dictated terms.
NEROCA head coach Gyan Moyon made three changes to his starting XI, switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The first-half saw NEROCA dominate possession, testing the Sailors' defensive line with bursts from Lourembam and Rohit Meetei, but the Navy defenders held firm.
Navy had their moments too, with Deny Singh orchestrating the play from deep and threading through balls for Sreyas. However, the forward failed to capitalise on these opportunities, his shot in the 27th minute lacked power and went straight to the keeper.
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