Striker Raphael Patron Akakpo scored once in each half as Mumbai champions Mahindra United routed Haywards Sporting Clube de Goa 3-1 in an eighth National Football League match at the Cooperage in Mumbai on Sunday.

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The victory swelled Mahindra's tally to 36 points from 19 matches. They are placed third behind East Bengal and Dempo. Sporting Clube have 26 points from 19.

Akakpo put Mahindra ahead in the 31st minute when he beat a couple of defenders to finish off a move initiated by Felix Aboagye.

With a minute to go for the interval, Haywards restored parity when Dudu Omabgemi headed home a flag-kick.

Sporting goalkeeper Felix D'Souza was given marching orders in the 73rd minute for tripping Aboagye inside the box. The resultant spot kick was converted by Aboagye. Akakpo rounded off the tally with a solo effort in injury time to give the hosts a deserving win.