East Bengal go down 1-2 against spirited Mumbai FC side
Mumbai FC added on to East Bengal’s miseries as they defeated the Kolkata giants by 2 goals to 1. In the process, Khalid Jamil’s men have also improved their position in the league table. Veteran Indian footballer Paresh Shivalkar scored an eye-catching goal from a free-kick in the 3rd minute of the game. Brazilian striker Josimar Da Silva increased the tally in the 14th minute. East Bengal’s consolation goal was scored by their ever dependable Nigerian goal machine Ranti Martins in the 43rd minute.
East Bengal coach benched Mehtab Hussian in this game and the midfielder was replaced by Sukhwinder Singh. The Red and Gold brigade faced an early jolt when Taisuke Matsugae was brought down just outside the penalty box. Paresh Shivalkar stood up to take the free-kick and produced a perfectly curled shot which found the back of the net.
East Bengal recovered quickly after the early shock and controlled the game. But, unfortunately, due to sloppy defending and wrong positioning of the East Bengal defenders Josimar got a one on one opportunity in front of the goal. The Brazilian comfortably netted a second for his team.
EB find way back into game after early jolts
Thereafter, East Bengal dominated the proceedings in the game and maintained a better position. Mumbai FC, on the other hand, concentrated on defending to protect their two goal lead.
East Bengal pulled one goal back at the stroke of half time. Early substitute Leo Bertos forwarded a ball to Ranti Martins who easily placed a shot at the back of the net. The Kolkata giants went into the lemon break with some confidence.
The Kolkata outfit approached the second half in an attacking mood as they had to score one more to avoid an embarrassing defeat. Dudu Omagbemi got an opportunity in the 52nd minute. A curling cross came from the right flank, but the Nigerian’s header went wide. Mumbai FC too had their share of opportunities but were denied by a resolute East Bengal defence.
East Bengal were the dominant side in the second half too but, unfortunately, they failed to net one more goal. Back to back defeats will shake East Bengal’s confidence who are aiming to finish among the top four. Mumbai FC, on the other hand have, bagged crucial three points which would see them move up in the league table above the relegation zone.