Maargao: Hugo Boumous scored a brace to help Kolkata giants ATK Mohun Bagan defeat Kerala Blasters 4-2 in the opening game of the 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, on Friday.

Former FC Goa and Mumbai City FC star Boumous became the league's fastest scorer in an opening encounter, finding the net from outside the box within three minutes.

Boumous (3', 39'), Liston Colaco (50'), and Roy Krishna (27') scored the goals for ATK while Sahal Abdul Samad (24') and Jorge Diaz (69') were the scorers for Blasters.

ATK wasted no time in putting up a dominating display, sounding warning bells across the league at the very outset.

Blasters drew level as Rahul KP did well down the right flank, He provided an inch-perfect cross towards Sahal just near the box, who drove it in.

Kerala Blasters
Sahal Abdual Samad, third left, exults after scoring Blasters' opening goal. Photo: ISL


That joy was short-lived as Roy won and converted a penalty soon. 

The first half was sealed as Boumous capitalised on being left unmarked. He ventured out with precision, hit it across and through the keeper's legs to deliver a two-goal cushion.

 

Hugo Boumous
It was a memorable game for Hugo Boumous. Photo: ISL

Post the break, Liston Colaco curled in a delectable fourth goal with little help from Krishna, much to the delight of coach Antonio Habas.

The game entered into an even contest thereafter with the ball but ATK kept teasing the Blasters defenders.

Jorge Diaz (69') pulled a goal back out of nowhere for Blasters as ATK appeared a tad complacent in holding down their shape.

ATK would be happy with the performance considering Blasters entered the game with a robust pre-season. Bagan will play the famous Kolkata derby next weekend while Blasters are set to face NorthEast United on Thursday.

 

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