East Bengal FC, in red, and Mohammedan SC, in white, players vie for the ball during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 match between East Bengal FC and Mohammedan SC, at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, Saturday, Nov 9, 2024. (PTI Photo)
East Bengal finally earned a point this Indian Super League season after they drew 0-0 against Mohammedan Sporting Club in Kolkata on Saturday.
Despite going down to 9 players with over an hour to go, East Bengal held firm to open their points account for the season after losing all their previous 6 league matches. They, however, are still lodged at the bottom of the table with 1 points from 7 matches. Debutants Mohammedan Sporting, meanwhile, are second-last on the table with five points.
Fresh off making quarterfinals in the AFC Challenge League, East Bengal, who had struggled to in the ISL until now, showed a new-found confidence under their new head coach Oscar Bruzon. India star defender Anwar Ali showed his true potential, not only as a defender but also as a leader of men.
He maintained the cohesion among the backline and kept the dangerous duo of Franca and Loni Manzoki at bay throughout.
The match saw a dramatic first half for East Bengal, who were reduced to nine players after two red cards in quick succession.
The drama unfolded in the 28th minute when Nandhakumar Sekar was shown a red card for violent conduct after swinging his arm at MSC’s Amarjit Kiyam Singh.
Just moments later, Mahesh was given a second yellow for showing dissent, leaving EBFC in disarray.
Despite the setbacks, the Bruzon-coached remained compact defensively and managed to keep Mohammedan at bay.
Mohammedan Sporting had the lion’s share of possession throughout the match, creating numerous chances, but was unable to break down East Bengal’s citadel.
Alexis Gomez and Franca were particularly dangerous, creating opportunities on the left, but each cross was either cleared away or denied by EB goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, who produced several key saves.
The second half saw Mohammedan continue their dominance, but East Bengal’s defensive line held firm.
Zodingliana Ralte had a chance to open the scoring in the 68th minute but blasted his volley over the bar.
Despite the constant wave of attack from MSC, East Bengal’s defence stood resolute with crucial blocks and tackles from Hijazi Maher, Mohammed Rakip, and Lalchungnunga.
In the dying moments of the game, MSC earned a freekick in a dangerous position, but the delivery was cleared by EB’s defenders.
(With agency inputs)
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First uploaded on: 09-11-2024 at 23:23 IST
