XtraTime Web Desk – Even though Matti Steinmann’s goal rescued a point for SC East Bengal, their defence once again looked miserable few times and that’s where Chennaiyin FC capitalized.
Offensively, SC East Bengal were way better than their previous matches but it’s again the defence that’s keeps on underperforming. That’s an area the team has to improve if they look to bag their maiden win of the tournament.
In the 13th minute, Lallianzuala Chhangte scored his first goal of the season after SC East Bengal defence failed to maintain the high line. It was a brilliant solo goal from Chhangte but it could have been avoided if the defenders played their part. Scott Neville’s off the ball movement created a space in the middle and that’s where the gap was created and seconds later SC East Bengal were down by 1-0.
Crivellaro and Chhangte were operating beautifully in the first half but it was SC East Bengal who missed an absolute sitter. Mohammed Rafique dribbled past Vishal Kaith in the 37th minute but failed to hit the shot because of a brilliant tackle. Rafique missed that open goal chance and thus with that, the half ended 1-0 in favour of Chennaiyin FC.
In the second half, both the teams were very competitive in their approach. In the 59th minute, Matti Steinmann brought SC East Bengal from a corner. However, just when the fans started to think positive, SC East Bengal conceded a goal as Rahim Ali put Chennaiyin ahead. Chennaiyin could’ve been 3-1 up but Debjit Majumdar denied Sylvestr’s shot and that kept SC East Bengal in the game.
Matti Steinmann in the 68th minute brought SC East Bengal into level terms once again after Vishal Kaith couldn’t get his control over the ball. The ball rebounded and Steinmann did his job to bring SC East Bengal level.
After that incident, both the teams created quite a few chances but couldn’t change the game. If it wasn’t because of SC East Bengal’s defensive approach during the first goal or Mohammed Rafique’s miss, SC East Bengal could have bagged their first win of the season.