East Bengal beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-2 in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) to take the bragging rights of a thrilling Kolkata Derby on Saturday at the Kalyani stadium.
The fixture was a first between the two sides in top-level competitive football at this venue.
With this victory, East Bengal’s three-match winless streak comes to an end in the CFL, and the side now has eight points from five matches.
For the Red and Gold Brigade, Jesin TK (9’), Sayan Banerjee (45+6’) and David Lalhlansanga (69’) were the scorers. Leewan Castanha (55’) and Kiyan Nassiri (67’) netted for the Mariners.
AS IT HAPPENED | East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Highlights
The first half belonged to East Bengal after Bino George’s charges won the midfield battle. They took an early lead after Jesin guided Banerjee’s cutback pass into the net.
Mohun Bagan’s first chance on goal came right after the 30-minute mark when Kiyan Nassiri — in his second stint with the Mariners after returning from Chennaiyin FC — slammed the loose ball at the post. Forward Suhail Bhat had a few chances to rattle the net but none proved clinical enough.
Right before the lemon break, Banerjee combined with Edmund Lalrindika to give his team a two-goal lead at half-time.
Nassiri made up for his first-half miss and levelled the score with a deft header towards the far post.
| Photo Credit:
Mohun Bagan Super Giant/X
Nassiri made up for his first-half miss and levelled the score with a deft header towards the far post.
| Photo Credit:
Mohun Bagan Super Giant/X
Second half saw a purposeful Mohun Bagan side, and its efforts bore fruit through defender Castanha. The ball was floated in from a corner as Dippendu Biswas headed it down for Castanha, who threaded the needle between a sea of legs and scored his side’s first goal.
The Mohun Bagan faithful found its voice back and a little over 10 minutes later, Nassiri made up for his first-half miss and levelled the score with a deft header towards the far post. Castanha turned provider for the goal.
However, the Mariners’ joy was shortlived after Lalhlansanga’s header off substitute Aman CK’s cross proved to be the winner in this derby.
East Bengal was reduced to 10 men late in the second half stoppage time after Aman received a second yellow card but the side held on to seal the win.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com