FC Goa showed again why they are the leaders of the Indian Super League this season, as they dished out a memorable performance to record a stunning 7-0 victory over Mumbai City FC at the JLN Stadium in Fatorda on Tuesday evening.
Nigerian hotshot Dudu Omagbemi, starting his first ISL game this season, scored a memorable hat-trick, and Indian striker Thongkhosiem Haokip also got his three goals of the night, including the 100th goal of ISL 2015.
Reinaldo got one for himself as well in the 90th minute.
The first half was completely bossed by the hosts, in every way possible, right from the defensive end to the attacking end. FC Goa midfield maestro Joffre Mateu had an early go from a free-kick, but Indian custodian Subrata Paul was at his usual best.
Leo Moura remained a key figure for the hosts, and he proved once again why he is indeed regarded as one of the best midfielders of the ISL this season.
Thongkhosiem Haokip showed that the ISL is all about Indian players as he slotted home the 100th goal of the season in the game.
Nigerian forward Dudu brilliantly partnered with Haokip to keep the Mumbai City FC defence puzzled, and the Indian had an empty net to slot home neatly in the 34th minute.
Less than ten minutes later, the Nigerian got his first goal of the season as well as he doubled the lead for FC Goa following Moura's inch perfect pass.
Nicolas Anelka started the game for the visitors, but that didn't help much. The former Chelsea man did try his luck in the closing stages of the first half, but FC Goa goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani could make two stunning saves to deny Anelka as well as Cristian Bustos.
The second half was started by FC Goa with the same momentum and Haokip got into the scoresheet again in the 52nd minute of play. The Indian did get the 102nd goal of the ISL this season as well, but it was the chipped ball from Joffre that deserved all the plaudits.
Gregory Arnolin had a headed goal denied moments later by the alert linesman, and that could have given a incredible 4-0 lead to the hosts there itself. However, we didn't have to wait too long for that as Dudu once again capitalised on Subrata's loose save to high boot another goal of the night in the 64th minute.
Joffre's free-kick was headed by Lucio, but Subrata got a hand to it. However, the Indian custodian didn't quite get a view of Dudu who kept prowling inside the penalty box looking for that one opportunity.
The Nigerian got his hat-trick in the 67th minute as he slotted home comfortably Moura's almost magical pass. The dribbling by the Brazilian and the way he got past the defenders to play the ball was one of the best moves of the ISL so far, hands down.
Haokip also completed his hat-trick in the 79th minute after Romeo Fernandes forced a great save from Subrata, but the custodian failed to latch on to the ball again. And Haokip did what he had to do to make the score an unassailable 6-0.
The fireworks weren't over for the home team yet, as Reinaldo, who came on for Dudu, got one for himself in the 90th minute, and this time as well, Moura remained the assist.
It turned out to be the worst-possible away game for Mumbai City FC this season.
Catch Thongkhosiem Haokip's first goal HERE.
Catch Dudu Omagbemi's first goal HERE.
Catch Haokip's second goal HERE.
Catch Dudu's second goal HERE.
Catch Haokip's third goal HERE.
Catch Reinaldo's icing on the cake HERE.
