A hat-trick from Vinicio Angulo helped Diego Maradona's managerial career in Mexico get off to a perfect winning start on Monday as his new club Dorados beat Tapachula 4-1 in Culiacan.
Ecuadorean striker Vinicio Angulo netted twice in the 59th and 61st minutes and although Argentine Sebastian Ibars got a goal back for the visitors two minutes later.
Maradona celebrates with his players during his first match as coach of Mexican second-division club Dorados, against Cafetaleros. /VCG Photo
Maradona celebrates with his players during his first match as coach of Mexican second-division club Dorados, against Cafetaleros. /VCG Photo
An in-form Angulo converted a penalty with a quarter of an hour remaining to put them 3-1 up before Escoboza added a fourth for the home side in the 85th minute to ensure a perfect night for the Argentine coach on his return to the sidelines.
Maradona, who is taking charge of his first club since leaving Gulf league side Al-Fujairah SC in April, stunned the football world when he signed with the Pacific coast team earlier this month.
The former Boca Juniors and Napoli striker has been feted in Culiacan, a sweltering city notorious for its drug cartels, and fans there hope he will help take the side back into Mexico's first division.
Argentine legend Diego Maradona (L) celebrates with his players during his first match as coach of Mexican second-division club Dorados, against Cafetaleros, at the Banorte stadium in Culiacan, Sinaloa State, Mexico. /VCG Photo
Argentine legend Diego Maradona (L) celebrates with his players during his first match as coach of Mexican second-division club Dorados, against Cafetaleros, at the Banorte stadium in Culiacan, Sinaloa State, Mexico. /VCG Photo
Monday's victory was the Dorados first league win this season and lifts them into 10th place in the 15-team second tier.
The delighted 57-year old joined players and fans did the Viking Thunderclap on the field after the game.
El Diego, as his die-hard fans affectionately call him, wrote on his Facebook page after the match, “We took the first step. Thank you all for your stamina.”