East Bengal edge past Pune FC 3-2
East Bengal defeated Pune FC 3-2 to bag crucial three points from an away encounter at the Balewadi Stadium, Pune. Ranti Martins scored the first goal of the game in the 18th minute. Mathew Gonsalves scored the equalizing goal in the 37th minute to restore parity. East Bengal captain, Harmanjyot Khabra scored the second goal for his side in the 47th minute. Dudu Omagbemi increased the lead after just 8 minutes. Pune FC’s marquee signing Darko Nikac pulled one back in the 63rd minute.
East Bengal started the game on a positive note. They were desperate to achieve full points from this fixture and it was clear from their approach. Eelco Schattorie made just one change in the starting lineup from the previous game. An injured Lalrindika Ralte was replaced by Abhishek Das. Khabra was shifted into the midfield.
Ranti goal brings game to life
After a series of failed attempts, East Bengal finally drew first blood in the 18th minute. Ranti Martins smoothly converted a volley from a superb cross from Leo Bertos. The Pune FC defense were in no position to stop the Nigerian.
The game became interesting after the first goal. Both sides attacked equally and created numerous chances. It was an end to end affair. In the 37th minute, Mathew Gonsalves equalized from an impossible range. The Pune FC right-back floated a cross which took a dip and went inside the goal. Abhijeet Mondal was in two minds and let the ball go. The ball went inside straight away.
EB defence hold out to hand Pune season’s first home defeat
The second half began on a positive note for the away side, as Harmanjyot Singh Khabra restored the lead in favour of East Bengal in the 47th minute with a brilliant left foot finish.
The lead increased just after 8 minutes, when Dudu Omagbemi scored a wonderful goal. It was a product of great team work and the Nigerian forward finally netted the ball home.
Tides turned after few minutes as Darko Nikac scored in favour of the away side in the 63rd minute. Milan Susak passed a ball back to Abhijeet Mondal who miss passed towards Darko inside the box. Darko Nikac capitalized the opportunity and found the back of the net.
It was even-steven affair in the match after Pune’s second goal. The East Bengal defenders played brilliantly to hold the lead until the end.
East Bengal is just a point behind fourth-placed Pune FC with a game in hand. Today’s away victory was a crucial boost for the Kolkata side who are looking forward for a top 3 finish in the league table. Pune FC tasted their first defeat at their ground this season.