Mumbai beat ATK 3-1, book play-off spot
KOLKATA: A Modou Sougou hattrick was enough for Mumbai City FC to drub ATK 3-1 and confirm a spot in the Indian Super League play-offs here on Friday.
After three matches without a goal, Modou Sougou (26, 39, 60) returned to the scoresheet with an excellent performance.
Andre Bikey headed in a consolation in the 67th minute, but the hosts could not find a way back into the game and are now out of the reckoning.
The win takes Mumbai to the third spot on the table with 30 points while ATK remain sixth.
A midfield battle ensued in the first half as both teams looked to keep possession of the ball.
ATK started the half well but Mumbai soon stamped their authority, showing efficiency in the attacking third.
Sougou managed to get the better of ATK defence in the 26th minute. Paulo Machado won the ball in Mumbai’s half and initiated a counter-attack from the right. Bhumij received the ball forward and lobbed it behind the ATK defenders for the striker to find the back of the net.
Sougou doubled the lead in the 39th minute scoring from close range after Arnold Issoko had provided him a delightful cross. At the hour-mark, Paulo Machado released Sougou in behind the ATK defence and the Senegalese striker scored his 12th goal of the season with an emphatic finish to put the ball beyond the reach of Arindam.