Mohun Bagan perfected a spectacular second-half resurgence to floor Aizawl FC by a record 5-0 margin and regain the Federation Cup football title after eight years, at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here on Saturday. Prominent Figuring prominently in Bagan’s win with two goals was Mizoram striker Jeje Lalpekhlua while Haitian Sony Norde, Dhanachandra Singh and Bikramjit Singh scored one each.
Aizawl, which had surprised everyone with a series of outstanding performances including the vanquishing of I-League champion Bengaluru FC, had to submit to Bagan’s supremacy.
The Kolkata giant produced one of its finest runs of success, scoring 17 goals and conceding just two in the five matches it played in the tournament and in the process extending the record of winning the title to 14.
The last time Bagan had won the title was in 2008, when it beat Dempo 1-0 at home.
Bagan, which had struggled in a barren first half, made a fantastic turnaround after the break.
Fine understanding between Sony and Jeje found the latter chesting down a long floater from Bikramjit Singh.
Sony finished with a sharp first-timer to beat Aizwal goalkeeper Soram Poirei in the 48th minute.
Before Aizawl could regroup Dhanachandra Singh doubled the lead in the 59th minute, nodding home a smart corner from Kasumi Yusa.
The second goal virtually broke Aizawl’s reserve. Jeje made it 3-0 latching on to an assist from Trinidad & Tobago striker Cornell Glen in the 73rd minute before Bikramjit Singh tapped home a cross from Sony, who made a fine solo effort to create the 82nd-minute opportunity.
Just when it appeared everything was over, Jeje completed the scoring process making the most of a fine pass from substitute Azharuddin Mallick in the 88th minute. Most prolific Jeje is now the most prolific Indian striker, as he completed a tally of 20 goals in the season. He scored eight goals, including a hat-trick, in the Fed Cup.
The barren first half saw Aizawl in aggressive mode, while Bagan searched for its rhythm.
Aizawl built its gameplan on good flank-play and a quick passing game.
The seasoned Brazilian in the Bagan defence Luciano Sabrosa had a trying time holding up the likes of Nigerian forward Joel Sunday and Japanese midfielder Yuta Kinowaki.
The result:
Mohun Bagan 5 (Sony Norde 48, Dhanachandra Singh 59, Jeje Lalpekhlua 73, 88, Bikramjit Singh 82) bt Aizawl FC 0.
