Dudu on song as East Bengal crush Chennai

Kolkata: East Bengal’s title aspirations received a major boost as the Kolkata giants recorded the biggest victory of the season with a 7-1 rout of Chennai City in an I-League encounter, riding on Dudu Omagbemi’s four-goal burst.

Dudu scored in the 32nd, 49th, 56th and 61st minutes for the season’s first hat-trick as East Bengal climbed to second with 29 points from 16 games — two behind Neroca,  who are still on top with 31 points from 17 games. Minerva Punjab FC however are also on 29 points but have played a match less than East Bengal.

After Saturday’s victory, East Bengal have opened up the league race but much of the credit goes to Gokulam FC, who defeated both Neroca and Minerva to give Khalid Jamil’s men, some much-needed breathing space. With 29 goals and a difference of 13, East Bengal also have done their chances a world of good if it comes to a photo finish.

In a must-win game, East Bengal were spectacular right from the start against a sloppy Chennai defence as they went three-nil up in little over half an hour that included an own goal from Dharmaraj Ravanan (23rd).

Mahmoud Al Amna (20th minute) drew first blood in a defensive lapse as the Syrian scored from his third attempt in a tussle with goalkeeper Kabir Thaufiq. The Chennai defence was caught napping as Al Amna’s first two shots were blocked by Thaufiq but he finally chipped it into an open net.

It was goal glut in the second half with Dudu completing his hat-trick and adding a fourth, before substitute Gabriel Fernandes completed the rout with his 84th minute strike.

Mashoor Thangalakath (59th) scored the solitary goal for Chennai City.

In Margao, hosts Churchill Brothers were held to a 1-1 draw by Gokulam Kerala FC.