Mohun Bagan vs Indian Air Force, Durand Cup 2024: Mariners win 6-0 and get to top of group table

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Mohun Bagan Super Giant thrashed Indian Air Force FT 6-0 to climb to the top of Group A, edging out their fierce rivals Emami East Bengal on goal difference in the Durand Cup 2024 at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

This outcome sets up a crucial Kolkata Derby on August 18th, where both teams must win to secure the top spot in the group and advance to the knockout stage. Jason Cummings scored twice, once in each half, while Thomas Aldred, Greg Stewart, Anirudh Thapa, and Liston Colaco added the other goals for the Mariners.

Head Coach Jose Molina returned to the sidelines as Mohun Bagan fielded a strong lineup, with only Suhail Bhatt, Thomas Aldred, and Abhishek Suryavanshi retaining their spots from the previous match. Indian Air Force Head Coach Priya Darshan, meanwhile, opted for a similar lineup as in their last game of the tournament.

Mohun Bagan took the lead in the fourth minute after capitalizing on a defensive error by the Indian Air Force. Sahal Abdul Samad set up Jason Cummings, who calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper for the opening goal. The Mariners doubled their lead six minutes later when Liston Colaco's free-kick was headed by Suhail Bhatt, leading to a rebound that Thomas Aldred converted into the net.

The match was largely one-sided, with Mohun Bagan maintaining relentless pressure. Liston Colaco, a constant threat down the left wing, added a third goal in the 38th minute after a pass from Sahal Abdul Samad, sending a powerful shot past the goalkeeper. The Mariners controlled the game, with the opposition rarely threatening their goal, leaving goalkeeper Vishal Kaith largely untroubled.

In the second half, Mohun Bagan continued their dominance. Despite missing some chances, they eventually broke down the Air Force's improved defense. Anirudh Thapa scored a stunning volley from the edge of the box to make it four, and Jason Cummings completed his brace with a left-footed finish for the fifth goal.

Undeterred, Mohun Bagan pressed on for more goals to enhance their goal difference. New signing Greg Stewart capped off the scoring with a clever finish after being set up by Jason Cummings, sealing a comprehensive victory and gearing up for the big derby against Emami East Bengal.