Mohammedan Sporting overwhelmed a young and talented Kerala Blasters side 3-0 in the first quarter final of the Durand Cup here on Friday. A brace from debutant Nigerian Abiola Dauda (59’, 84’) and a first-half strike by SK Faiaz (17’) ensured a smooth ride to the last four for the local team.

Mohammedan Sporting, despite missing key players like Faslu and Abhishek Halder due to injuries and suspension, were on the front foot from the outset and it seemed like a matter of time before they scored. Credit should go to Azharuddin Malik for holding on to the ball in the middle of the Blasters half and then playing back to Safiul who played forward to Abhash Thapa.

Thapa found Marcus to his left and the Trinidadian delivered a dangerous low cross across the face of goal. Among two onrushing Mohammedan Sporting attackers, Yumnam Gopi missed it but Faiaz was at hand to slot home with ease. The Blasters created a few good chances of their own. The equaliser, though, did not materialise.