Durand Cup 2023: David's magic in vain, Mohammedan SC knocked out despite thumping win

Mohammedan SC defeat Jamshedpur FC by half dozen goals but fail to qualify for the quarters

David Lalhlansanga scored four goals in Mohammedan Sporting Club’s dominating 6-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC, but they narrowly missed out on a spot in the quarterfinals in the 132nd IndianOil Durand Cup played here at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. F. Lalremsanga scored the other two goals for Mohammedan. Mohammedan SC needed to win by seven goals to qualify for the knockouts and as a result, Mohun Bagan Super Giant qualified for the quarterfinals as the second best runner up. Mohammedan finished Group B with six points from three matches while Jamshedpur FC finished their campaign with three points from three matches.

Mohammedan SC Head Coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo made two changes to the starting lineup bringing in Thokchom James Singh and Dipu Halder instead of suspended Dettol Moirangthem and Joseph Adjei. Jamshedpur FC Coach Steven Dias sent out his young side with four changes made from the previous match.

Mohammedan, who needed a big win to confirm their place in the knockouts, started with an attacking intent with Bikash Singh sending a free header above the crossbar. It was one way traffic in the middle with Mohammedan continuously attacking the young Jamshedpur side and putting them under pressure. Uzbek playmaker Mirjalol Kasimov was controlling proceedings in the middle and his intelligent pass produced the first goal. Lalremsenga’s first time finish gave the lead for the local side in the 10th minute of the game. Lalremsanga doubled his team’s advantage five minutes later. Kasimov released Alexis Gomez and the Argentinian’s looping cross was finished between the legs of Jamshedpur keeper Mohit Singh Dhami by Remsanga for his second goal of the game. The home side were in no mood to slow down as they were looking to score from every move. Mohammedan went three ahead before the 30 minute mark. David Lalhlansanga continued his good form in the tournament, scoring in the 28th minute. An inch perfect cross from Alexis Gomez from the right wing was diverted into the goal by David for his third goal of the tournament. Mohammedan continued their barrage of attacks and attempts were in plenty from the attackers with Alexis Gomez and Zodingliana came close to scoring. On the other end, Ashley Koli was the only bright spot showing his skills but he was closed down by the Mohammedan defenders as there was no support for him upfront. Mohammedan could have had a fourth goal before the break but Zuidika’s header came back off the post.

After resumption, Mohammedan continued in the same way attacking the young side from Jamshedpur but the young Red Miners were more organized in defence. Alexis Gomez hit the post adding to the frustration of the local side. The Red Miners started to threaten going forward and earned themselves a penalty as Ashley was fouled. He took the resultant penalty but it was saved brilliantly by Mohammedan keeper Lalbiakhlua Jongte. Mohammedan scored their fourth soon through David as he rounded the goalkeeper and finished calmly after receiving a through ball from Kasimov. Jamshedpur’ best chance was an effort from distance from Armash Nazir Ansari was saved on to the post by the Mohammedan keeper. David Lalhlansanga completed his hat trick in the 82nd minute. Substitute Prince Opoku found David inside the box and the striker dribbled past two defenders and finished past Jamshedpur keeper Mohit Singh Dhami. Mohammedan continued to attack needing two more goals to qualify for the knockouts but were kept in check by Mohit Singh Dhami who pulled off a couple of good saves. The side from Kolkata got their sixth goal soon through David again, his fourth of the match. Jamshedpur’s failed clearance fell on the path of the striker who finished setting up an emphatic climax. It did not end up as a fairytale finish for the Black Panthers as they could not find the decisive goal that would have taken them to the quarterfinals. Alexis Gomez, Prince Opoku and Ganesh Besra missed chances to score as they went out after coming agonsingly close to qualifying.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.