Sougou fires four as Mumbai drub Kerala
MUMBAI:MODOU Sougou became the first player in the history of the Indian Super League to score four goals in a game as Mumbai City FC thumped Kerala Blasters 6-1 to stretch their unbeaten streak to eight games as the tournament entered a 40-day break for the Asian Cup.
Second on the table, the hosts struck early in the 11th minute. A free-kick from Rafael Bastos, taken from inside Mumbai’s half, caught the Blasters backline off guard. The piercing pass down the left wing found an unguarded Paulo Machado. A grounded cross to unmarked Sougou at the near post saw the later slot it past goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh.
Four minutes later, Dheeraj’s weak clearance following a back pass from Anas Edathodika fell to Raynier Fernandes who passed it on to Sougou to his right. The league’s top-scorer blasted in a pile driver that kissed the underside of the bar before rattling in the net.
The Blasters did earn one back in the 27th minute through Seminlen Doungel whose angled volley beat the outstretched Amrinder Singh to his left.
Subhasish Bose’s fine cross was headed in by Sougou to restore the two-goal cushion.
Compounding the visitors’ misery was midfielder Zakeer Mundampara’s reckless challence on Bastos at the stroke of half-time which saw the referee pull out the red card.
It wasn’t too different after the change of sides with gaping holes in the Blasters defence inviting a wave of attacks. Sougou could have added on to his tally in the 59th minute but only managed to hit the side netting after rounding past the ‘keeper. The fans, however, didn’t have to wait long as Bastos extended the lead in the 70th minute with a glorious long-ranger from a couple of yards outside the box that found the top-right corner.
And although he was immediately substituted after, the incoming Matias Mirabaje ensured the riot continues as he produced a similar effort from a similar range in the 89th minute after being fed by Nkufo Arnold from the right. As usual, there were no defenders around him.
The sixth goal summed up the night for the Blasters.
The result moves Mumbai City FC within three points of leaders Bengaluru FC while the Blasters remained eighth.