Mohammedan SC and Army Green comfortably win 5-1 and 3-1 against CRPF FC and Jamshedpur FC respectively in Durand Cup. As a result, the former made it into the knockouts and the latter can qualify if Jamshedpur fails to win against Goa.
Marcus Joseph and Azharuddin Mallick scored brace alongside a stoppage-time goal by Brandon for Mohammedan. Whereas Amarjeet Singh scored the consolation goal for CRPF. In the other match, Deepak Singh scored two goals alongside one goal by Sochin Chhetri for Army Green. Indian Super League side Jamshedpur scored a consolation goal through Jitendra Singh.
Mohammedan qualify to the knockouts in Durand Cup whereas Army Green need a win to ensure qualification
After an exhilarating performance in the first match against Air Force, Mohammedan were keen on getting their second win. However, CRPF were having a better performance in the initial minutes. But the Black Panthers took the lead in the 13th minute from a well-worked low cross.
The Kolkata club were enjoying possession and created the most chances. However, it was an even match after the opening goal in the first half. The regimental team were creating some excellent opportunities but failed to score.
Most of the action came in the second half and Marcus Joseph made it 2-0 with a powerful shot past CRPF goalkeeper. Surprisingly, last season’s golden boot winner Joseph scored again within 3 minutes. In the latter stages, Mallick scored his second goal of the match and extended the lead even further. He was awarded the Man of the Match award after a superb display with two goals and an assist.
However, the Panthers were denied a clean sheet after a consolation goal from Amarjeet Singh in the 90th minute. Brandon completed the five-star performance with his first goal of the match a minute later.
Mohammedan face second-placed Bengaluru United in the group winner clash on 14th September. Whereas, CRPF face Indian Air Force on the same day in the Durand Cup.
Jamshedpur needs to win against Goa next to qualify for the quarterfinals
Jamshedpur FC were coming into the game after a tough fought 1-0 win against Sudeva Delhi FC. However, they started the match in the front foot and were almost close to an early opener. On the other hand, Army Green also came close to an opening goal two minutes later.
It was a physical contest as both sides kept fighting to prevent any goals. However, Army Green broke the deadlock just before halftime. Deepak Singh scored after a delicious cross that wasn’t able to be cleared by Jamshedpur FC defence.
The striker scored once again after a poor defensive performance from the ISL side. He was the Man of the Match after a clinical display in front of goal. The army team once again struck after an excellent corner kick. Sochin Chhetri scored a brilliant header from the set-piece to extend the lead.
Finally, in the 61st minute, Jitendra Singh scored the only goal for the Miners. They will now face fellow ISL club FC Goa in their next match on 17th September. Whereas, Army Green face Sudeva Delhi on the same day.
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