New Delhi: East Bengal turned from ridiculous to the sublime as they fought back from a two-goal deficit to win 4-2 against 10-man Punjab FC in an Indian Super League game in Kolkata on Sunday.
EB looked down and out after Asmir Sujilic (21st minute) and Ezequiel Vidal (39th minute) had put Punjab two goals ahead at half time. But the change of events, transformed their fortunes as they netted four times within a space of 21 minutes to collect valuable three points.
Though goals from Hijazi Maher (46th), PV Vishnu (54th), Suresh Meitei (own goal, 60) and David Lalhlasanga (67th) in the win didn’t lift EB from the 11th spot, it reduced the gap with 10th-placed Kerala Blasters to only a point.
FT | The real Shers on the pitch! 🦁🫡#JoyEastBengal #ISL #EBFCPFC pic.twitter.com/QJNWWLl9Zv
— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) December 17, 2024
Punjab wondered what hit them after half time as their defensive unit disintegrated when Ivan Novoselec limped off with a twisted ankle. His substitute Meitei had a nightmarish outing as twice he turned the balls into his own with his attempted clearances, the first of which was awarded to Vishnu.
Adding to the woes of Punjab was the eviction of Khaiminthang Lhungdim for two bookable offences in the 64th minute as they remained on fifth with 18 points from 11 games in the standings topped by Mohun Bagan.
Stunning turnaround
East Bengal had to field a weakened side as some of their top names are nursing injuries. But players like David, who was named the man of the match, and Vishnu, who have been fringe players so far, stepped up to the occasion for Oscar Bruzon’s side.
“In the first half only one team played. But 20 minutes of mistake cost us the match,” Punjab coach Panagiotis Dilmperis rued after the match.
East Bengal overturned a two-goal deficit to win 4-2 against 10-man Punjab FC in an Indian Super League game in Kolkata on Sunday. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
