Internet Desk: Salgaocar FC defeated East Bengal 3-1 in a round 11 I-League encounter at the Tilak Maidan Stadium, on Tuesday. Thongkhosiem Haokip (4′, 90’+5′) scored a brace and Calvin Mbarga (36′) scored from the spot while Ranty Martins was on target (25′) for East Bengal.
Salgaocar FC defeated East Bengal 3-1 in a round 11 I-League encounter at the Tilak Maidan Stadium, on Tuesday. Thongkhosiem Haokip (4′, 90’+5′) scored a brace and Calvin Mbarga (36′) scored from the spot while Ranty Martins was on target (25′) for East Bengal.
East Bengal have made three changes. Rahul Bheke, Abinash Ruidas and Saumik Dey was replaced by Samad ali Mullick, Sanju Pradhan and Narayan Das. For Salgaocar Gurjinder Kumar, Seityasen Singh and Gilbert Oliveira made way for Thangjam Singh, Calvin Mbarga and Thongkhosiem Haokip.
The home team got to a great start as Thongkhosiem Haokip drew the early blood in the fourth minute. Daryl Duffy sent a delightful ball from the right flank. Haokip controlled the ball beautifully and smashed it past East Bengal keeper Luis Barreto to make it 1-0.
Salgaocar dealt a major blow when Daryl Duffey limped was limped off from the ground. Jackichand Singh replaced him.
East Bengal started to press hard. They got their much deserved equalizer in the 25th minute due to a mistake from Keenan Almeida. Keenan tried to give the ball back to his keeper but the ball fell to Ranty Martins who didn’t make a mistake and tapped the ball into the net to make it 1-1.
Salgaocar doubled the lead ten minutes later. Samad brought down Jackichand inside the box and the referee didn’t hesitate to give a penalty. Mbarga converted the penalty to make it 2-1.
East Bengal midfield looks scattered as lot of miss passes were played. East Bengal custodian Luis Barreto made a good save to restrict Salgaocar to extend their lead.
Sehnaj Singh was shown a straight red for a rough tackle on winger Jackichand Singh. East Bengal were down to 10 men.
In the stoppage time Bernard Mendy’s header was saved by Salgaocar custodian Karanjit Singh. Haokip then sealed the match in the injury time. The midfielder received a loose ball and took a shot only to see the ball get past the East Bengal keeper.
East Bengal remained at the third position while Salgaocar rise a place to 8th position.
East Bengal coach Biswajit Bhattacharya sounds positive.”After this defeat the job has became slightly tougher for us, but I still believe that we can win the I-League” The Red and Gold gaffer said.
East Bengal are scheduled to face DSK Shivajians on 6th March while Salgaocar will take on Mumbai FC on 5th March.