Mohun Bagan started their AFC Cup campaign on a strong note, demolishing Maziya Sports and Recreation Club of Maldives 5-2 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Wednesday.
Jeje Lalpekhlua (33rd, 69th minutes) and Cornell Glenn (35th, 72nd) struck twice each for the reigning I-League champions after star winger Sony Norde (19th) had opened the scoring in the Group G match.
Ahmed Imaaz breached the Mohun Bagan defence in the 61st minute and an own goal by Raju Gaikwad gifted the visitors a second goal in the 77th.
The hosts started on an attacking note, putting the Maziya defence under sustained pressure. Bagan were rewarded for their efforts when Norde found the net with a superb free-kick.
Norde was involved in Bagan's second goal as well, putting in some good work on the left flank before passing to Jeje, who made no mistake.
The Kolkata giants increased their lead only a couple of minutes later as Glenn produced a nice finish after receiving a pass from Jeje just inside the penalty box.
Imaaz, who was the among the best performers for Maziya on the night, pulled one back for the visitors with an easy tap in in the 61st minute.
But if that goal prompted Maziya fans to dream of a comeback, their hopes were quickly dashed with Jeje and Glenn both finding the net.
