Durand Cup 2022: Mohammedan SC cruised 3-0 past Kerala Blasters to enter the semifinals

Kolkata-based club Mohammedan Sporting completely dominated the young Kerala Blasters squad in the first quarterfinal clash of the Durand Cup despite the absence of top players such as Abhishek Halder and Faslu because of injuries.

The Black and White brigade began the match aggressively as Azharuddin Malik took control of the ball in Kerala Blaster's half and passed to ball to Safiul, who sent it to Mohammedan Sporting attacker Abhash Thapa.

The 23-year-old striker charged forward and sent the ball to Marcus Joseph. The 31-year-old Trinidadian striker lifted a cross toward the Kerala Blasters' goal. SK Faiaz got the ball and slotted it into the net to make it 1-0 for Mohammedan Sporting.

Kerala Blasters tried to fight back and created several fantastic opportunities but failed to equalise the score. The first half ended with a 1-0 lead for Mohammedan Sporting.

The second half started with Mohammedan Sporting launching back-to-back attacks. They finally got a breakthrough in the 58th minute when Marcus Joseph sent a cross to the Nigerian debutant Abiola Dauda. The 34-year-old pounced at the ball but failed to make a connection.

Abiola Dauda received the ball again, thanks to the excellent passing of Marcus Joseph and Faiaz. One minute later, Abiola Dauda slotted the ball into the net to double the lead for Mohammedan Sporting.

Abiola Dauda added another goal in the 84th minute when Abhishek Ambekar lifted a well-placed cross into the Kerala Blasters' box, allowing the Nigerian striker to head the ball into the goal.