Sony Norde showed no signs of jet-lag as he played the chief architect of Mohun Bagan's commanding 3-0 win over defending champion Bengaluru FC in its home engagement of the Hero I-League at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium here on Saturday.
While Norde assisted in all three goals, Bagan captain Katsumi Yusa exhibited his great rapport with his Haitian companion to score a brace and ensure his side's seventh win in 13 matches.
Showing complete domination, Bagan played positively and used both flanks well to keep Bengaluru under constant pressure.
Norde showcased the magic of his legs early by beating two defenders in the fifth minute. However, his shot from a narrow angle was blocked by the rival keeper.
Bagan narrowly missed an opportunity in the very next minute when Pritam Kotal's brilliant cross from right was headed out by Daryl Duffy.
Norde helped Bagan take the lead in the 14th minute. Yusa used Norde's pass to shoot a grounder from the edge of the box and beat Bengaluru custodian Amrinder Singh.
Bengaluru remained busy defending. Playing without Sunil Chhetri, it initiated a few moves which were foiled by the solid work of the Bagan backline, comprising Raju Gaekwad, Anas Edathodika and Brazillian Eduardo Fereira.
Bagan's persistence doubled its lead in the 25th minute. Norde curled a free-kick from about 35 yards and Dyuffy, who was camouflaged between two white-and-blue shirts, headed it in to spread cheers in the stands.
On resumption, Bagan scored its third goal thanks to the deadly Japanese-Haitian duo. Norde ran solo for about 50 yards, crossed the field and relayed it onto Yusa on the right and the latter unleashed another angled grounder to beat Nishu Kumar and Amrinder in the 53rd minute.
Mandar Dessai gave Bengaluru the lone chance in the 67th minute but Bagan keeper Debjit Majumder saved it and the ball hit the post.
Bagan created some more chances but had to be content with the three-goal margin.
The result: Mohun Bagan 3 (Katsumi Yusa 14, 53; Daryl Duffy 25) bt Bengaluru FC 0.
Comments
SHARE