Senegal international, Modou Sougou, accepted Portuguese coach Jorge Costa’s offer to attempt an India adventure with Mumbai City FC in the ISL. The loose-limbed goal-poacher with nine goals in 12 matches, is getting noticed this season, justifying his coach’s judgement. Four goals in a game against Kerala Blasters FC was a special effort from the player.
Sougou and Costa teamed up earlier at Academica Coimbra (Portugal) and CFR Cluj (Romania). “You cannot win a game alone for the team, the important thing is to keep focus on the things we are expected to do.
“The goals came from moves we worked at in training,” he said, after single-handedly decimating the KBFC defence. Portuguese international and former FC Porto player Paulo Machado, one-time Sougou teammate at Academica, drilled the ball in from a wide and deep position on the left flank goalwards. The latter arrived on time to slide the ball into the net.
MCFC’s leading scorer said: “We played together in Portugal and I know what he is thinking. The first goal is always important because it sets up the team mood.” After Soudou notched a hat-trick, finishing moves off passes from teammates Rayner Fernandes and Subhashish Bose.
Sougou got close to David de Gea in the rival goal, but his 22nd-minute try was deflected out. Brazilian striker Luis Alertto hammered in a 56th minute winner for Cluj. The former tried to make a career in France (two spells in Marseille), England (two spells at Sheffield Wesnesday) before Costa called when he was on a free transfer. “Jorge Costa is more than a coach, he is a mentor away from football, teaching us how to be professional. I decided to try something new in life.”
The enticing part about the offer to play in India was a role change, from winger in Senegal and Europe to a striker in Mumbai City. “The coach asked me to play as striker. I am happy, it gives me opportunities to get into the box and do more for my team,” said Sougou, looking to return refreshed after a Christmas break.
“I want to come back and finish the job for my side,” he said. Qualifying for the knockout is his first target. Nine strikes pushed him into third place on the ISL Golden Boot list.
The sleek striker will be back hungry for goals.