Kalyani : The anxious East Bengal fans at Kalyani Stadium had to wait till the 72nd minute of the game to write their names on the history pages to win the record 7th successive Calcutta Football League title, as Lalrindika Ralte was brought down by the Mohammedan Sporting goalkeeper and Korean Do Dong Hyun made no mistake to score the illusive goal from the penalty spot which helped the Red and Gold Brigade to clinch the title for the 38th time in its history.
The anxious East Bengal fans at Kalyani Stadium had to wait till the 72nd minute of the game to write their names on the history pages to win the record 7th successive Calcutta Football League title, as Lalrindika Ralte was brought down by the Mohammedan Sporting goalkeeper and Korean Do Dong Hyun made no mistake to score the illusive goal from the penalty spot which helped the Red and Gold Brigade to clinch the title for the 38th time in its history.
Richard Dryden’s East Bengal started the game in an attacking fashion by putting more men on the opposition half. The first chance came in the 10th minute as Dika’s grounder shaded the second post by a few metres. In the 18th minute, Mohammedan countered as Manvir’s powerful effort was saved by Dibyendu Sarkar.
In 31st minute Rahul Bheke’s accurate cross found Jiten Murmu inside the box but his header was off target. In the 44th minute, Atinder Mani’s brilliant effort missed the target by a few inches.
East Bengal should thank British defender Calum Angus as he saved a genuine goal from the goal line as Mohammedan Sporting forward targeted a cunning chip after Dibyendu Sarkar made a horrible mistake.
In the 50th minute, East Bengal got a great opportunity as Rafique’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Mohammedan replied through a dynamic Dodos as his attempt went just over the bar. In the 57th minute, Dika’s excellent free kick found Rafique, as his venomous header was punched away by the Mohammedan custodian.
East Bengal scored the goal in the 72nd minute as goal bound Lalrindika was forcefully brought down by the Mohammedan Sporting goalkeeper. Do Dong Hyun made no mistake to score the illusive goal. Rafique got another chance to extend the lead in but he missed an open sitter in the 77th minute.
Mohammedan came closest to equalize in the 82nd minute as Dipankar’s drilling long range effort was acrobatically saved by the East Bengal goalkeeper.
The result would certainly mean that the last game against Aryan won’t have much value as no one can match the amount of points East Bengal have gained with a game in their hands.
Indeed a feather on the crown of the glorious career of East Bengal’s midfield general Mehtab Hossain & defender Gurwinder Singh who have now been a part of all the seven successive ventures.