East Bengal FC registered their second win on the trot in the on-going 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup, getting the better of Downtown Heroes of Kashmir 3-1, in a Group A game here, at the Kishore Bharti Krirangan (KBK). Three goals came in the first half of the encounter as Afreen Parray cancelled out a wonderful Madih Talal free-kick, only for Saul Crespo to restore the home-side’s lead with a penalty conversion few minutes later. Substitute and youngster Jesin TK’s fabulous solo strike in added time was the icing on the Red & Gold cake.
The win moves Emami East Bengal to the top of Group A with a 100% record and six points after two games while Downtown Heroes have completed their group engagements with just one win over the Indian Air Force and two defeats, giving them three points. The win against the Air Force was their first ever in the IndianOil Durand Cup in only their second appearance.
East Bengal made just one change going into the game, bringing in pacy winger Vishnu in place of Jeakson Singh while Hilal Parray, the Heroes coach made a couple of changes from his first eleven of the previous game, bringing in Shameer in place of Basit and Iqlak in place of Calvin Baretto.
The Red & Gold began on the front-foot as expected but the Heroes were certainly not overwhelmed and were defending well and also threatening on the counter at times.
The goals then came within a space of 13 minutes, the first due to a moment of individual brilliance. It was a free-kick won by the home team just outside the Heroes box and French winger Madih Talal unleashed a wonder strike which wrong-footed Umaid in the Heroes goal and nestled into the back of the net.
The Heroes’ determination paid off moments later when from another free-kick, Afreen Parray, from whom most oof his team’s attacks originate, followed the delivery at the far post and Rakib’s clearance struck his stuck-out foot and rebounded into the goal past Prabhsukan, who was taken unawares.
East Bengal were determined to get the lead back and soon Riyas, in trying to intercept Vishnu’s run down the right, is a tad late and brings him down. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Spaniard midfield maestro Saul Crespo, converted the resultant spot kick with characteristic calm.
Both teams tried to find the target in the second-half but were frustrated in their attempts. It resulted in some frayed tempers and Zahid eventually being sent-off in the 80th minute as the Heroes played the last few minutes with 10-men.
A defensive lapse by Zubair with minutes of injury time remaining, saw the talented Jesin snatch possession, turn him over twice and unleash a left-footer from just inside the top of the box which stunned Umaid.
The home-side go into their final game on August 18, 2024, against arch-rivals and defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, in the best possible frame of mind.
