Young midfielder Kiyan Nassiri scored a memorable hat-trick on Saturday when ATK Mohun Bagan again humiliated an underpowered SC East Bengal 3-1 in an Indian Super League (ISL) game at Fatorda. Kiyan scored in the 64th minute, then struck twice in the second and third minutes of stoppage time (92nd and 93rd) to finish in a memorable way. Nassiri is the son of East Bengal legend Jamshed Nassiri, who was known for his powerful heads in the 1980s. Kiyan is of Iranian descent, but the 21-year-old was born and raised in Kolkata. He has been part of the green and maroon brigade since the 2019-20 season.
Mohun Bagan now has 19 points from 11 matches and is fourth in the ranking with two matches less than top-class Hyderabad FC (23 points from 13 matches).
East Bengal is predictably last of 11 teams and is still part of the season as the ISL has no relegation and promotion.
Kiyan became the youngest hat-trick scorer in ISL history, but it couldn’t have been more poetic for Kiyan to emerge as a hero for greens and maroons in a Kolkata derby where his father was a vital cog for the reds and golds. He had scored a memorable winner in the 1985 Federation Cup.
The Mariners dominated for more possession, but a lack of finished product meant the outfits went straight into halftime. The second half started fiery and Colaco hit the top corner with a right footed curling iron within minutes of the restart.
On the other hand, Antonio Perosevic made sure that Amrinder Singh pulled a crucial save close to the post with a strong left hand. However, the deadlock was eventually broken against all odds by SC East Bengal via Darren Sidoel.
The midfielder attacked the nearby post from a corner, reached the ball first and cleverly led it past the keeper.
The Mariners scored the equalizer after the hour through Kiyan Nassiri, who came off the bench to make his second appearance for the club.
A few minutes later, ATKMB then got the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot through David Williams.
However, the Australian managed to send his penalty kick into the stands. Hira Mondal then showed up and cleared a goal line to deny Colaco a goal.
Six minutes were added for interruptions by the officials, which was enough for more magical moments.
A header from Williams hit the post and fell to Kiyan who made no mistake with the volley and scored the crucial goal.
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A minute later, he finally completed an iconic hat-trick with an opportunistic ending. The cameo was enough to secure three points for the Mariners.
East Bengal SC will face Chennaiyin FC’s top four candidates in their next match at Tilak Maidan Stadium on Wednesday, while ATK Mohun Bagan will face reigning champions Mumbai City FC at PJN Stadium on Thursday.
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