One of the best matches in my career, says Sony Norde

Azharuddin dedicates goal to his father

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Norde scored a brilliant goal against arch rival East Bengal on Sunday. Image Source: XtraTime

Sabyasachi Bagchi, Siliguri: Mohun Bagan on Sunday inched a step closer to winning the I League for the second time in three years. The Mariners comprehensively got the better of their arch rivals East Bengal at Siliguri’s Kanchenjunga Stadium. Sony Norde and Azharuddin Mullick were the scorers for Mohun Bagan.

Sony Norde was undoubtedly the Star of the match. The Haitian marksman once again showed why he is the most sought after foreign footballer in the I League at the moment. It was his touch of brilliance that gave the Mariners the all important lead in the 35th minute from a deftly taken free-kick that beat the outstretched hands of TP Rehenesh in East Bengal goal.

A visibly happy Norde later told the reporters after the match that this was arguably the best match of his career.

“It was one of the best matches in my career. I always dreamt of doing well in the derby. I am happy that I could leave a mark in the derby.”

Norde was rightly adjudged the Hero of the Match for his tireless effort in the field. On being asked about the win in the derby, Norde said, “I cannot take the credit alone. It was a team effort as everyone contributed towards the win. We sealed the fate of the match in the first half after Azhar’s goal.”

Speaking about the U’22 footballer, Norde said he was impressed with Azhar. According to Norde, “He has a bright future.”

The Bagan footballers were seen celebrating after returning back to the hotel. The club officials opened champagne and a huge cake was cut in order to mark the incredible win over the arch rivals. The win in fact was Mohun Bagan’s first in 16 years over East Bengal outside Kolkata. The Kolkata giants have four more matches coming up starting with the clash against Shillong Lajong. Norde believes all the remaining matches will be important for them.

“Next four matches equally important. No point thinking we are champions,” said Norde to the reporters.

It was Azhar’s superlative strike in the dying minutes of the first half that sealed the fate in favour of Mohun Bagan. The U’22 footballer from Moshat Gram lobbed the ball perfectly over Rehenesh to find the net. Azharuddin was first spotted by the Bagan officials after watching him play for the Bengal U’19 team. He was signed on a 5 years contract. It is his third year with the Mariners.

The shy looking Azhar has dedicated the goal to his father.

“I dedicate the goal to my father. It was due to his perseverance that I could reach here,” said Azhar whose other two brothers are also footballers.

Mohun Bagan coach Sanjay Sen has also heaped huge praises on his U’22 footballer.

“I always wanted him (Azhar) to score a goal in the derby. He did not disappoint me today,” said the gaffer.