Mohun Bagan run down Lajong with dominant 5-0 win in the first leg of Federation Cup semis

THE SCORCHED EARTH OF South Bengal is still thirsting after a sizeable shower of rain, but tonight at a tiny football stadium situated in its heart, just to the north of Kolkata, a blizzard was observed; a gallant all-encompassing storm lasting all of 90 that devoured everything in its way.

The metaphor may sound a little hyperbolic but that's about the best way one can describe Mohun Bagan literally sweeping Shillong Lajong off the pitch to claim a 5-0 victory in the first leg of the Federation Cup semi-finals.

There was a lot of interest around this game. It was the first televised game of the tournament, and a semi-final at that. Also, Shillong Lajong had played some great football to knock out the other Kolkata giant, East Bengal, out of the Fed Cup. Also, in the I-League, both the encounters between Mohun Bagan and Shillong Lajong ended in draws. So when the game kicked off in front of a capacity crowd at Barasat tonight, a close game was on everyone's mind.

And that's how it looked at first. Lajong with their intelligent wing play and a general speed advantage took a few shots that saw the Mohun Bagan defence go through a nervous phase. Pronay Halder almost got a yellow when he blatantly kicked out at an opponent player but avoided a booking - which would result in a one match suspension since he's already on a yellow - by feigning a dive.

But before long the Mariners were visibly making a comeback. A great combination between Sony Norde, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Cornell Glen saw Bagan rise to a quick attack but ultimately shoot outside. Then on the other end Penn Orji got close but it was too high. Then Jeje fed Glen who had an empty goal to shoot into but still missed the mark. Pritam Kotal, after struggling initially, sent a long ball for Jeje who tried to take the shot but Tamang stopped him.

But the break through came just before the clock hit 40. A brilliant run from the Haitian winger Sony Norde, past both his markers, running in with tremendous pace, and shooting on target. Vishal Kaith had to give it everything he had to save it. He kept it out, but unfortunately for him, the ball went to Jeje Lalpekhlua who had plenty of time and space to tap the ball in. It was one nil to the Mariners.

And this goal did something. It was as if the floodgates had opened. The Lajong defenders' body language, stout and edgy for most of the first half, was never the same after this. And within 5 minutes, just before half-time, the second goal came. 

Jeje Lalpekhlua moved forward exchanging trhe ball with Glen who had finally left his marker Konsham Singh behind. The ball finally got to Bikramjit Singh who had a similarly easy tap-in job. Mohun Bagan ended the half 2-0 ahead.

And things continued in a similar fashion when the game resumed. Within minutes, Jeje Lalpekhlua set up Cornell Glen who sent the ball goalwards, then Jeje came in sliding, to give it the finish it deserved. 3-0, no sweat.

And then Jeje got his second. It was Katsumi Yusa who sent the ball to Glen, who did great to find his way into a position where he could set Jeje up for close range finisher. It was 4-0. Jeje completed his hat-trick, the first of the season for Mohun Bagan.

The game simmered down for a bit after this. Mohun Bagan were sitting comfortably on a huge lead and Lajong could hardly move their defence. Once they came close, with Isaac having a one-on-one moment with Debjit but ultimately missing the target.

Towards the end, youngster Azharuddin Mallick got a goal of his own thanks to Sony Norde's brilliant pass. With 3 excellent assists, the winger left the field minutes before full time. 

So it was a convincing 5-0 win for Bagan. The lead they have built is almost impossible for Shillong Lajong to chase down in the second half. This also takes a lot of the pressure off of Sanjoy Sen's shoulders, who can rest his main players in the remaining AFC Cup group stage game on Wednesday as well as the second leg of the semi-final, and preserve their energy for the two big games in Guwahati: the Federation Cup final and the AFC Cup pre-quarter final.

It was the last match that Mohun Bagan played in Kolkata this season. And the climactic win served as a great treat for their home fans. The players walked around the pitch, hand in hand, as the fans clapped. Barasat has been a special place for them: they have not lost a single game here in I-League or Fed Cup. There's little doubt that on Saturday, 21st May, a deluge of fans will travel from Kolkata to Guwahati to witness the true climax of the Mariners' domestic season. Whether or not it will be a happy ending remains to be seen.