Five-star Ranti Martins helps East Bengal crush Dempo SC 5-1
Ranti Martins single-handedly crushed Dempo SC with a five star performance tonight at the Fatorda Stadium Goa. Ranti scored twice in the first half and the other three goals in the second half to guide his team to a historic away victory in Goa. Carlos Hernandez scored the solitary goal for the home side in the first half from the penalty spot.
The Nigerian goal machine scored the opening goal of the game with the first minute of the match. Robert Lalthuama sent a cross from the left flank, which was met by Dudu Omagbemi inside the penalty box. He attempted a shot but it was saved by Laxmikant Kattimani. Ranti met the rebound and found the back of the net with ease.
EB recover long lost rythm
East Bengal were looking deadly tonight as they were desperate for full three points. Under Eelco Schattorie the team has found its long lost rhythm. Mama came close to score in the 9th minute when he curled a superb corner. The ball was directly going inside the goal, Kattimani somehow managed to save it.
Ranti Martins doubled his tally in the 12th minute. Mohammad Rafique forwarded a ball to Robert who in turn passed it to Ranti. The Nigerian finished with great composure.
East Bengal were in no mood for mercy as they continued to launch series of attacks over Dempo’s defence. They had complete domination over the ball possession, and Dempo did not get a single opportunity.
The tide turned a bit in the 26th minute when Francis Fernandes was brought down by Deepak Mondal inside the penalty box. Carlos Hernandez pulled one goal back for his team from the spot.
After the goal, Dempo looked more positive in their approach. They could find their rhythm and were playing a much better game.
Martins takes Dempo apart
Dempo looked a much better side in the second half. They attacked more and were looking hungry for the equaliser. Around the 52nd minute, the home side won a free-kick, Hernandez curled a superb ball but Rowilson failed to meet it at the other end.
Just when Dempo were regaining form and were looking deadly, Dudu Omagbemi won a penalty for his side. It was a controversial decision and the referee could have avoided the extreme decision. Anyhow, Ranti took the spot kick and completed his hat-trick.
Five minutes later in the 64th minute, Ranti Martins struck yet again. Lalrindika Ralte launched a long ball for Ranti who was alone up front. Taking advantage of the high line Dempo defense, Ranti took the ball and chipped it over an out of position Laxmikant Kattimani. Dika must be praised for his great vision.
Dempo’s confidence was shattered and they seemed tormented and lost motivation. East Bengal on the other hand were controlling the game yet again and were brimming with confidence.
The final nail in the coffin was hammered yet again by the Nigerian forward in the 85th minute. Second half substitute Leo Bertos provided a superb long ball towards Ranti. He received the ball, edged past Rowilson and calmly finished it.
East Bengal moves up the table with today’s performance. Eelco had a dream debut in the Hero I-League 2015. Dempo on the other hand struggle at the bottom half of the table after back to back home defeats. Ranti Martins is convincingly at the top of top scorer’s list with 10 goals from 7 games.
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