I-League 2017/18: East Bengal vs NEROCA FC, Player Ratings

East Bengal failed to script a victory against NEROCA FC as both teams failed to get a hand on their maiden I-League title on Thursday. Minerva Punjab FC edged past Churchill Brothers FC by a solitary goal to win their first ever I-League title.

Although none of East Bengal or NEROCA FC won the league, yet the encounter that finished in a 1-1 draw, was a well-fought one. Let us have a look how the players fared in the match:

East Bengal

Ubaid (gk) (7/10): Nothing to complain about him apart from the goal.

Arnab Mondal (8/10): Always the saviour of East Bengal in the hour of need, Mondal stood tall in the defence, taking care of each and every attack from the Manipuri side.

Lalram Chullova (7/10): Initiated a lot of attacks from his side of the midfield.

Mahmoud Al Amna (8.5/10): He was undoubtedly their best player this season. A livewire in the defence, he was everywhere and his ability to hold the ball in the midfield was proved again.

Md. Rafique (6/10): This was not his game. His contribution was minimum and he had an ordinary game in comparison to the player he really is.

Katsumi Yusa (8.5/10): The most fragile player on the entire field, Yusa kept on rotating the ball from one flank to the other. Tried hard throughout the game, but couldn’t make the difference.

Eduardo (7/10): Did his job to perfection. The Brazilian, who was absent in the last match due to suspension, came back strong and shielded the attackers.

Jobby Justin (6/10): Apart from missing a sitter, Jobby Justin could not contribute to East Bengal’s cause. He was substituted in the latter part of the game.

Samad Ali Mallick (7/10): Did not grab much attention in the game, but did his job as directed by the coach. Never tried to overdo or underperform either.

Yami Longvah (7/10): He was the surprise element of the match. The swift runs and the long crosses were signs of danger for opposing defence, but he failed to do the needful.

Dudu Omagbemi (7.5/10): Could have easily scored a hat-trick but he lookd to have left his scoring boots in the locker room before the match.

Substitutes:

Ralte: NA

Kromah: Tried hard but couldn't make a difference.

NEROCA FC

Lalit Thapa (gk) (9/10): He was probably the best player for NEROCA FC and saved vital attacks throughout the game, especially the shots from Dudu Omagbemi. He was awarded the 'Player of the match'.

Govin Singh (7.5/10): Kept a check on East Bengal's attacks, was enough not to give the Kolkata giants the lead throughout the match.

Tondonba (7/10): One the best finds of NEROCA FC this season, he provided the added strength in the backline.

Kallon (7.5/10): He had a quiet afternoon, although the job was done -- that is to keep Dudu Omagbemi, Yusa Katsumi and Al Amna under check.

Ashok Singh (6.5/10): The wing-back was agile throughout the entire length of the game, but was not enough to create danger in the opposition half.

Jean Francis (7/10): Along with Nicholas, he was the main invader in East Bengal’s half.

Nicholas Andrew (7.5/10): He was responsible for holding the midfield together. The tall, well-built Australian game-maker gave East Bengal a run for their money.

Thangjam Singh (6/10): The defensive midfielder held the ball as required in the heart of the playing area.

Felix Chidi (8.5/10): He was the goalscorer and the man who shattered East Bengal’s dream of clinching their first I-League title.

Subhash Singh (8/10): The most effective player for the visiting side, the runs from the sidelines were more than useful and posed a huge threat to East Bengal's defence.

Gopi Singh (7/10): Gave the much-needed support to the players up front, but was taken off in the second half.