Manvir Hat-Trick Powers Mohun Bagan to Emphatic 8-0 Victory Over South United

by Chandler D'silva August 6, 2026

Mohun Bagan Super Giant continued their impressive start to the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup with a dominant 8-0 victory over South United FC in a Group A clash at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Tuesday. Inspired by a clinical hat-trick from Manvir Singh, the Mariners registered their second consecutive win to remain at the top of the group with six points from two matches.

The Kolkata giants wasted no time asserting their dominance and found the breakthrough in just the fourth minute. Sahal Abdul Samad showcased his creativity with a brilliant no-look reverse pass that split the South United defence, allowing Manvir Singh to control the ball before calmly finishing to give the hosts an early lead.

Mohun Bagan doubled their advantage six minutes later through a set-piece. Thapa floated in an inviting corner from the left and Spanish defender Alberto Rodríguez rose highest to power a header into the back of the net.

The Mariners continued to pile on the pressure and grabbed their third goal in the 19th minute. A slick passing move involving Dejan Dražić and Thapa ended with Rahul Bheke meeting the delivery with a towering header to make it 3-0. Just three minutes later, Sahal was once again at the heart of the move as he drove down the left before cutting the ball back for Manvir, who made no mistake to score his second of the evening.

Mohun Bagan headed into halftime with a commanding 4-0 lead after completely dominating the opening 45 minutes, allowing South United just a single attempt on goal.

The visitors showed greater determination after the restart and enjoyed more possession in midfield, but the Mariners remained firmly in control. The fifth goal arrived on the hour mark when Thapa delivered another dangerous corner and Manvir timed his run perfectly to head home and complete a superb hat-trick.

Despite South United’s improved display in the second half, Mohun Bagan’s defence, marshalled by captain Subhasish Bose alongside Alberto Rodríguez and Abhimeitei, comfortably dealt with every attacking move.

The sixth goal came in unfortunate fashion for the visitors in the 69th minute. Dražić whipped a dangerous cross into the six-yard box after being released by Sahal, and South United captain Noel S inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear.

The Mariners refused to ease off in the closing stages. Substitute Suhail Ahmad Bhat added his name to the scoresheet in the 90th minute after latching onto another perfectly weighted pass from Sahal before rounding the goalkeeper and finishing with composure.

Deep into stoppage time, Mohun Bagan capped off a memorable evening with an eighth goal. Sahal combined brilliantly with fellow substitute Sayan Banerjee, whose cutback found Suhail inside the box. The forward rifled an unstoppable strike into the roof of the net to complete the rout.

The emphatic victory further strengthens Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s position at the top of Group A and underlines their credentials as one of the favourites to lift this year’s Durand Cup. For South United FC, the defeat leaves them with plenty to improve upon as they look to keep their campaign alive in the remaining group-stage fixtures.

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