Canadian striker Iain Hume’s master-class enabled Atletico de Kolkata return to winning ways. The striker scored a hat-trick and defender Augustin Fernandes found the target once, snapping Mumbai FC’s winning run at home in the ISL 2015.
Hume’s first strike was a left-footed volley off a Jaime Gavilan assist while the fourth goal was a nonchalant tap-in after arriving unmarked into the box for a pass from Sameehg Doutie of South Africa. The Canadian’s second was a penalty.
Augustin had a quick one-two with Doutie just outside the box and then kept his cool to finish the move with a low grounder for the team’s third goal. Selim Benachour scored the only goal for MCFC.
The host got the first close look at goal, when Spanish midfielder Juan Aguilera displayed touch of class by hooking the ball over the defence for his captain Nicolas Anelka to attempt a shot. The French ace tried to lob over, but ATK custodian Amrinder Singh was quick to block the angle.
However, in the 34th minute, Hume started a move culminating in the visitors’ first goal. The Canadian gained possession deep in the rival half, laid off the ball back towards a teammate and moved into the striking zone. Gavilan arrived to convert the move into a goal-worthy one with a left-footed sweeping pass into space for Hume to finish.
ATK’s second goal came via penalty and the culprit was Subash Singh. The forward, who tracked back to help out the defence, attacked Gavilan from behind. The referee pointed to the spot and Hume converted coolly as Subrata dived the other way.
Anelka came up with a triple change at half-time. Subash, Francis Bertin and Darren O’Dea made way for Rowlinson Rodrigues, Fred Piquionne and Selim Benachour respectively. All-out attack was the message as the home team went in pursuit of goals.
ATK goal came under siege on resumption. A floater from midfield found MCFC defender Pavel Cmocs, whose strike missed the target. Amrinder punched away a fierce Piquionne attempt a few minutes later.
ATK coach Antonio Habas, in an attempt to stop the marauding Mumbai FC players, brought in Rino Anto for Nabi. But it did not stop substitute Benachour — who is back after rushing home to attend his father’s funeral in France — from scoring.
Amrinder saved a Sunil Chetri volley from close and shifted position for the rebound, but Benachour reacted faster. ATK’s response was a cheeky goal by defender Fernandes. ATK coach Habas leaped in joy as his team picked up three points in an away game, savouring the sweet taste of victory after three consecutive defeats.
The result: Atletico de Kolkata 4 (Iain Hume 34, 45-pen, 82, Augustin Fernandes 77) bt Mumbai City FC 1 (Selim Benachour 71).
