Jeje Lalpekhula scored a hat-trick as a rampaging Mohun Bagan routed Shillong Lajong 5-0 in their home leg semifinal of the Federation Cup football tournament at the Vidyasagar Krirnagan in Barasat, West Bengal, on Sunday.
The Mizoram striker returned with menacing form in the second half scoring two goals in the space of four minutes as Mohun Bagan toyed with Lajong defence with ease.
Mohun Bagan's U-22 player Azharuddin Mallick, who replaced Cornell Glen in the 61st minute, struck their fifth goal from a Sony Norde throw-in in front a jubilant 12,342 home supporters.
The Kolkata giants now head to Shillong for the away leg on May 14 with a commanding lead.
Image: Mohun Bagan's Jeje Lalpekhula celebrates a goal against Lajong during their Fed Cup match in Barasat on Sunday
Photograph: AIFF media
Guess who is India's footballer of the year?
I-League: Bengaluru FC crowned champions
Fed Cup: Sporting down Mumbai FC; Lajong beat East Bengal
AFC Cup: Mohun Bagan thrash South China; Bengaluru FC lose
I-League: Salgaocar beat Shillong Lajong 1-0