The late success-starved football fans of East Bengal FC (EBFC) had something to rejoice in! It came in the Kalinga Super Cup in Bhubaneswar. They qualified for the semi-finals with a smashing 3-1 scoreline against archrivals Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG). It was the first Kolkata derby of the year, although it took place in a different city.
Both teams came into this match with two consecutive wins. But, in Group A, Carles Cuadrat and his East Bengal boys were in the top position. The green and maroon brigade were second (on goal difference). East Bengal needed a draw. Mohun Bagan had to win to qualify for the semi-finals.
As expected, Cuadrat fielded a strong XI and Mohun Bagan named an XI where Armando Sadiku was preferred over Jason Cummins. Without seven Indian players, who are currently with the national team participating in the Asian Cup in Doha, Mohun Bagan started this match on the back foot against an in-form East Bengal.
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Derby goes to The Red and Golds!
Cleiton Silva’s brace and Nandhakumar’s goal seals a 3-1 win for East Bengal over their arch rivals.
Mohun Bagan SG makes an exit from the Super Cup!
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However, MBSG defender, Hector Yuste put his team ahead from a cheeky finish in the 19th minute. But the lead did not last long. East Bengal skipper, Cleiton Silva, hit the equaliser five minutes later. Then, when the first half was about to end, MBSG were awarded a penalty. But Dimitri Petratos could not convert it. His first shot was in, which was disallowed due to an infringement. The second attempt was not on target. It was a golden opportunity missed.
In the second half, MBSG coach, Clifford Miranda, brought on Cummins to enhance the attacking power. But, in the 63rd minute, Nandha Sekar came up with a neat finish to make it 2-1 for East Bengal. After that, MBSG tried their best but failed to penetrate the final third despite lots of forward passes from the midfield region.
In the 80th minute, Cleiton put the game to an end with another solid finish and East Bengal managed to hold on to the lead till the last whistle. This goal came after a shocking error by the MBSG goalkeeper, Arsh Shaikh. With the 3-1 win, EBFC qualified for the semi-finals with nine points from three games. Mohun Bagan got knocked out of the competition.
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