New Delhi: East Bengal’s slim hopes of a top six finish are alive after a 3-1 win over crosstown rivals Mohammedan Sporting in ‘mini-Kolkata derby’, though they remain rooted in the 11th spot, two slots above the bottom-placed Sunday’s opponents.
Goals from Mahesh Naorem Singh (27th minute) and Saul Crespo (65th) put EB in a comfortable position but they needed substitute’s David Lalhlansanga’s 89th minute strike to settle nerves after France (68th) reduced the margin.
EB now have 21 points from 20 games but stayed in the 11th spot, three points behind Chennaiyin, with a game in hand while Mohammedan’s misery in their debut campaign continued as they slumped to their 13th loss in 20 games and have only 11 points.
Battle of laggards
EB were quicker off the blocks with the lively Visnu PV operating on the left wing and trying to feed the lanky Raphael Messi Bouli and Dimitrios Diamantakos.
On the other end, Franca posed the biggest threat for Mohammedan as his darting runs down the touchline and propensity to cut inside kept the EB defenders on their toes.
Vishnu’s enterprising runs created EB’s first goal and his pass inside the box allowed Naorem Mahesh Singh to blast in through the near post from an acute angle as Mohammedan keeper Padam Chhetri anticipated a cross and kept the near post unmarked.
EB went into the break preserving their lead and doubled it five minutes past the hour mark as Crespo justified Oscar Bruzon’s decision to bring him in for Nandhakumar Sekar in the 61st minute with a neat scooped finish after the Mohammedan backline were guilty of trying to pass their way out of a high press.
Trailing by two goals didn’t demoralise Mohammedan as they responded through Franca’s left footed effort after being set up with the outside of his left foot by Rabi Hansda’s on his ISL debut.
In an intense spell of action, both EB, through Hector Yuste, and MSC, through Hansda, struck the bar and Anwar Ali also had to effect a goal-line save to prevent the scoreline from becoming level.
It turned out to be the pivotal moment of the game as substitute David’s swift turn and booming left-footed shot sent the ball into the left corner for EB to heave a sigh of relief.
East Bengal FC defeated Mohammedan Sporting 3-1 in an Indian Super League match in Kolkata on Sunday. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
