Bello’s Late Strike Seals The Deal For East Bengal
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East Bengal players celebrating after the first goal. image Source:Xtra Time[/caption]
Barasat: East Bengal stunned Salgaocar FC 2-1 in an important I-League clash at the Barasat Stadium on Sunday. Mohammed Rafique (38') opened the scoring before Darryle Duffy (65') grabbed an equalizer. Bello Rasaq (83') however, proved to be the match-winner as the Red and Gold secured three points.
The hosts made just one change with Abhinash Ruidas coming in for Sanju Pradhan. Meanwhile, Keenan Almeida and Gurjinder Kumar made way for Pawan Kumar and Brian Mascarenhas for the away side.
East Bengal started the better of the two teams and had their first sight at goal in the ninth minute. Bernard Mendy drove into space through the middle and had a go from 28 yards out but Karanjit Singh held on to the Frenchman’s effort following a slight fumble.
Mendy turned the provider in the 22nd minute as he played in Mohammed Rafique but he was unable to take the ball in his stride. Mendy looked ambitious throughout the 90 minutes. Coach Biswajit Bhattacharya made a quick change in The 37th minute introducing Sanju Pradhan in the right flank replacing Abinash Ruidas who looked out of sources.
East Bengal made consistent attacks in the business end of the first half till Mohammed Rafique got the important first goal in the 39th minute of the match from a Mehtab Hussain cross.
Five minutes later, East Bengal nearly doubled their advantage as Rahul Bheke’s effort from Bikash Jairu’s corner went just wide of the target as the teams went into the break with the score 1-0 in favour of the hosts.
East Bengal started on the driver ‘s seat in the second half as well using both the flanks well.
The only chance for the away side came in the 55th minute when Eder Monteiro’s long ball was just a bit too much for Darryl Duffy which was enthusiastically collected by Barreto.
Ten minutes later though, Salgaocar found an equaliser through their Scottish frontman. Augustin sent in another long ball and this time, Duffy was the first to it as he headed it in albeit via a deflection off Bheke.
With seven minutes of regulation time on the clock, Sanju delivered a third successive corner from which Bello Rasaq headed East Bengal into a 2-1 lead.
Salgaocar did try to build up a head of steam in the closing stages but apart from testing Barreto with a header in the 90th minute, they weren't able to create any opportunities for the important equalizer.
The match ended with East Bengal securing the 3 points and placed themselves in the second position behind arch-rivals Mohun Bagan (18 points) with 17 points from 8 games. Bello Rasaq was adjudged Man of the Match.
Biswajit looked relieved after the match and was happy with the performance of his boys. Her quoted as saying, “ We could have won the match with a big margin but missed a lot of chances. Ranti scored the hattrick last match with his individual brilliance but did not get the support today. Mendy is still not 100% fit as he has joined late.” “I select players according to their performance not by names. Players like Mama, Robert are also sitting on the bench like Dong.”,the gaffer answerd on asking about Dong.
Biswajit commented about Salgaocar coach Santosh Kashyap as an experienced coach and working well with Salgaocar team.
Bello, the hero of the match later added, “ You will all get to see all these goals from my header a lot. I am now back in form. I want to forget the bad patch I was going through.”
Mendy who had a great match today quoted as saying, “ I am playing according to the team and coach wants me to. I am always there to serve my team when needed. “
East Bengal will again face Salgaocar in an away match at Goa on March 1, their next fixture.
03 Comments
Karla Gleichauf
12 May 2017 at 05:28 pm
On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment
M Shyamalan
12 May 2017 at 05:28 pm
On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment
Liz Montano
12 May 2017 at 05:28 pm
On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment