Noah Sadaoui’s Hat-Trick Leads Kerala Blasters to 7-0 Victory in Durand Cup

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 10: Kerala Blasters’ US winger Noah Sadaoui scored a hat-trick, his second of the tournament, leading his team to a 7-0 win over the CISF Protectors in a Group C game of the Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) on Saturday.

The Tuskers took the lead in the sixth minute with a goal by Ghanaian striker Kwame Peprah. They then scored five more goals in the first half, putting the game out of reach for CISF. Noah added another goal in the 89th minute.

Peprah’s early goal opened the floodgates, and he assisted Md. Aimen three minutes later. Aimen then set up Noah for his first goal of the game. Peprah provided another assist for Aimen, who scored again, followed by Noah’s second goal. New signing Naocha Singh and Aimen’s twin brother Azhar also scored, making it 6-0 by halftime.

CISF improved their defense in the second half, but Noah completed his hat-trick in the final stages of the game.

Kerala Blasters now have seven points, while CISF has one win against Mumbai City FC. The upcoming match between Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC will determine the group toppers, with Kerala currently having the advantage.

On Sunday, Indian Super League (ISL) teams Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC will face off in a Group C fixture at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. Punjab FC aims for a knockout spot, while Mumbai City FC, having lost both group matches, will play for pride.

In another match, Chennaiyin FC and Assam Rifles FT will conclude their Durand Cup campaign at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. Both teams are out of the knockout race and will look to finish the tournament on a high note.