Odafa Okolie five-star act brightens Mohun Bagan semi-final hopes

Siliguri/Kalyani: Defending champions East Bengal stormed into the semi-finals of the 117th IFA Shield with a 2-0 win over United SC in Siliguri on Friday. Edeh Chidi was the star of the match as he struck a double (51st and 75th) after a goalless first-half as East Bengal topped Group A with an all-win record from three matches of the quarter-final league.

But the day belonged to Odafa Okolie who fired in five goals in another match at Kalyani to power Mohun Bagan to a 5-1 win over United Sikkim. In the Group B quarter-final league, the Nigerian 'goal machine' opened the scoring in the 29th minute to give a 1-0 lead at halftime. Goals rained after the break as Odafa toyed with United Sikkim defence, firing in four in 66th, 85th, 89th and 90+1st minutes.

The Bhaichung Bhutia-owned outfit pulled one back when their Spanish recruit Bablo Aracil scored in the 71st minute. This was Mohun Bagan's second successive win in the group league after their 3-0 victory over Pune FC as they virtually sealed a semi-final berth, leading the table with six points.

Defending champions East Bengal stormed into the semi-finals of the 117th IFA Shield with a 2-0 win over United SC in Siliguri.

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