Kolkata: East Bengal played their second practice match today at the Howrah stadium against George Telegraph which they won 3-2. Jiten Murmu, Rafiq and Rahul Bheke scored a goal each for the Red and Gold brigade while Bibekananda Banerjee and Camu scored for George Telegraph.
Although, East Bengal won the match but their defense will be a matter of concern for coach Trevor Morgan as they conceded 2 silly goals which is not expected from a star studded defense of East Bengal.
Rahul Bheke opened the scoring from a header for the Red and Gold Brigade from a Abinash Ruidas center. The second goal was also from Ruidas center which Rafiq netted. East Bengal was leading the match then by 2-0.
Then, East Bengal lost a bit of momentum and committed silly errors in the defense which allowed George Telegraph reduce the deficit from Bibekananda Banerjee goal. East Bengal was leading 2-1.
In the next half the Red and Gold brigade scored the third and final goal from a Do-Dong Hyun center which was converted by Jiten Murmu. This goal was the winning goal for East Bengal as they were leading 3-1.
George Telegraph scored a consolation goal in the final minutes from a Babatunde center which Camu converted to make the scoreline 3-2.
East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan did not look too happy with his team’s performance especially the defensive line. He said, “Its nice to earn a victory whatever match it may be. But defense is a matter of concern. We need to work on that and try to compose our defense well in the next two practice games in Siliguri and Bonga ahead of the CFL.”
Regarding Do-Dong Hyun’s impressive performance, Trevor said, “Why you all are asking only about Dong? We play as a team. The whole squad is improving and getting back to rhythm.”
India is supposed to tour USA for exposure and to play five invitational matches from 1st-15th August. Ahead of the tour, AIFF is arranging a residential camp in New Delhi from 24-31 July. From East Bengal, four players have been selected for the camp in the likes of Arnab Mondal, Narayan Das, Md. Rafiq and Koushik Sarkar.
On this issue, Trevor Morgan said, “Players get money from their respective club. AIFF must think of the players too. But representing the nation is also priority for the players. AIFF and the clubs should sit together and decide on this issue.”