Mohun Bagan Super Giant produced a dominant display to thrash South United 8-0 in their Group A fixture of the Durand Cup 2026 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday.
The emphatic victory lifted the Mariners to the top of the Group A standings with six points from two matches, strengthening their bid for a place in the quarterfinals. As per the tournament format, the six group winners and the two best second-placed teams will progress to the knockout stage.
Manvir Singh starred for Mohun Bagan with a clinical hat-trick, leading an attacking performance that left South United with no answers. The forward’s three-goal haul set the tone as the Green and Maroon Brigade controlled proceedings from start to finish.
Defenders Rahul Bheke and Alberto Rodriguez also found the back of the net, contributing to the one-sided scoreline. South United’s troubles deepened when Noel S inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Mohun Bagan their sixth goal of the evening.
Substitute Suhail Ahmed Bhat added further gloss to the result with two late goals, completing an eight-goal demolition and capping off an impressive attacking display by the home side.
Midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad was equally influential despite not getting on the scoresheet. The creative midfielder registered three assists, consistently unlocking the South United defence and playing a key role in several of Mohun Bagan’s attacking moves.
The comprehensive win underlined Mohun Bagan’s attacking strength and defensive solidity, as they not only collected maximum points but also boosted their goal difference with one of the biggest victories of the tournament so far.
With back-to-back wins, the Kolkata giants now sit atop Group A and are firmly on course for a place in the quarterfinals. South United, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly after suffering a heavy defeat that leaves their qualification hopes under significant pressure.
Mohun Bagan’s commanding performance, highlighted by Manvir Singh’s hat-trick and Suhail Ahmed Bhat’s late brace, sends a strong message to the rest of the competition as the Durand Cup group stage continues.
