Mohammedan Sporting through to Durand semis

An Ajay Singh brace helped Mohammedan Sporting beat 10-man Kalighat Milan Sangha here Saturday to move into the semifinals of the Durand Cup.

Two goals from Ajay in the 16th and 61st minute and a 78th minute strike from Penn Irechukwv gave Mohemmaedan a 3-1 win. Charles Dzisah was the sole goalscorer for Kalighat.

It was not all plain sailing for the victors as they faced stiff resistance from Kalighat in the first half.

Collin Abranches' cross from left found Ajay open in the box. The striker fumbled to control the ball but somehow managed to bundle it in the net.

Charles equalised in the 30th minute but it all went sour for Kalighat thereon.

With the match locked at 1-1, Charles was sent off after being shown a second yellow at the stroke of halftime.

Mohammedan grabbed the opportunity with both their hands. Khantan Paite's cross was clinically headed in by Ajay in the second half and 15 minutes later Penn put the game beyond Kalighat after his right foot shot from inside the box went in.

Mohemmadan will have to pull up their socks if they are to go any further. Tolgay Ozbey was definitely missed and the coach will do well to give him some minutes against the Mumbai Tigers in the semis.