XtraTime Web Desk: Quess East Bengal’s I-League tragedy continues despite a sensational 2-1 comeback win over Gokulam Kerala FC at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozikhode today. Despite conceding a goal in the 70th minute through Marcus Joseph, East Bengal scored two back to back goals by Jaime Santos Collado and Laldanmawia Ralte to script a brilliant win over the home side. But in the other game, Chennai City too pulled off a remarkable 3-1 comeback win over Minerva Punjab FC to snatch the title.
Both teams started the game on the front foot from kick-off, attacking with ease. Only resolute defending at both ends of the pitch ensured that the deadlock was not broken in the first half. Chances came thick and thin as both teams were eager to end their campaign with a win.
Gokulam Kerala has been tagged a giant killer for a reason, as it soaked in every East Bengal attack and then countered the Red and Gold Brigade with counterattacks that put the visiting team on its toes at the back. Joseph and Santos had most of the chances but failed to convert them as the first half ended goalless.
The second half started on a much calmer note, surprisingly. Gokulam Kerala controlled the pace of the game, recycled possession and had the East Bengal players chasing the ball. With the visitor needing a win to have a chance of winning the title, the Malabarians’ tactics made sense.
The urgency in East Bengal’s play increased as the clocked ticked on. Enrique Esqueda was caught offside but Gokulam Kerala failed to take the warning. Two minutes later, Kassim Aidara raced clear of the Gokulam Kerala defence and Manotosh Chakladhar had to haul him down to stop that attack.
East Bengal upped the ante and nearly took the lead when Lalrindika Ralte’s shot from outside the box went off the post with Arnab Das Sharma rooted to the spot. Minutes later, Didika found Esqueda with a fantastic chip, but the Mexican was hesitant to bring the ball under control and the chance went begging.
Against the run of play, Gokulam Kerala took the lead in the 69th minute. A good exchange of passes at the edge of the East Bengal defence saw Joseph run free into the box and his left footed strike found the bottom corner of the net.
The goal was a setback to East Bengal’s title hopes, but the players responded in style. Santos won a penalty after a clumsy challenge from Sharma, taking the penalty and powering his shot past the diving keeper to put East Bengal back on level terms.
Ten minutes later, East Bengal took the lead. Laldanmawia Ralte looked threatening throughout the game and the skipper got to the end of a good cross from Santos and turned it in at the second time of asking – his eighth goal of the campaign.
East Bengal held on to win the game as Gokula Kerala gave up the fight in extra time at the end of the second half. The Kozhikode side put up a good fight and played an important role in taking the title race to the wire, but ran out of steam by the end of the match.