Jagrick Dey, Bhubaneswar: Dudu Omagbemi silenced his critics with a magnificent winning goal to lead East Bengal a memorable 1-0 win over ISL side FC Goa to qualify for the Final of the Super Cup.
The best chance for East Bengal came in the 19th minute of the game. Dudu forwarded a through ball for Katsumi who entered the penalty box from the left flank and squared it for Amna who failed to tap in from a point-blank range.
East Bengal got another chance in the 21st minute. But this time it was Dudu who missed a sitter. The Nigerian played a one-two with Amna and he was one on one with Kattimani but he shot the ball straight at the FC Goa goalkeeper.
FC Goa got a golden opportunity in the injury time of the first half. Corominas entered the box with a solo run and went for the goal but Chullova blocked the ball from line. Corominas attempted another shot from the rebound but it hit the crossbar and went wide.
In the 73rd minute, Goa came perilously close to find the back of the net. Coro bent a beautiful free-kick from the left at goal and the ball hit the far post and went out.
The magical moment of the game came in the 79th minute. Dudu answered all his critics with an excellent goal. Yusa teased a quality low cross across the face of the goal into the area between the goalie and the defender. Neither Ali nor Kattimani call for the ball and Dudu sneaked in and directed the cross into the net with a poacher’s finish.
Goa played the last 10 minutes with 10 men as Edu Badia was sent off after a reckless foul, allowing East Bengal to put further pressure on the opposition.