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East Bengal came into the match against Shillong Lajong, looking to steal a march over their title rivals. However, they could only manage a 2-2 draw in Shillong in the end, as their star striker Dudu Omagbemi struck a brace to keep them in the hunt.
This result further heats up the title race, as it gives Mohun Bagan a better probability of winning the match as well.
Samuel Lalmuanpuia shines for Shillong Lajong
The Shillong Lajong captain was the man to watch out for in the match, as he ran circles around the clueless East Bengal defenders. His link-up play with Tlang was a treat for every football fan.
Samuel was the difference between a defeat and a point for the Shillong side, as he provided the assist for the equaliser that was scored by Aibanbha Dohling, and then put his side in the lead in the second, via a well-taken penalty. He had even hit the bar on a couple of occasions, and forced East Bengal keeper CK Ubaid into making multiple saves.
Dudu to the rescue once again
Dudu Omagbemi has been a huge influence for East Bengal this season. While Willis Plaza’s stint did not really work out with the Red and Golds, Dudu has come in and immediately showed why he is one of the most feared strikers in the I-League, scoring two goals.
Not only did he show good link-up play with the likes of Katsumi and Al Amna, but he also played as the target man, when required. This helped the Red and Golds get out of tight situations, when Lajong were putting a lot of pressure on their defence.
Brandon lively for East Bengal
Brandon Vanlalremdika had a brilliant game for the Red and Golds on the right flank, as he constantly looked to cut in from the flank, and make entries into dangerous positions.
He always seemed to find spaces inside the box, and got a number of dangerous-looking shots away at goal. In one particular opportunity in the second half, a low cross flashed from the left flank was missed by both Kromah and Dudu, but Brandon was alert to the opportunity to take a clean shot on goal. However, East Bengal keeper Ubaid was up to the task.
Cavin Lobo ineffective in midfield?
The veteran midfielder has recently come under a lot of praise for his performances, especially the one against Minerva Punjab, where he scored a peach of a long-ranger to win the match for East Bengal.
However, it was not the same Lobo that was out there on the pitch today. He failed to give Amna and Katsumi that launch pad that they needed to have the freedom to go forward and attack the Lajong defence. He was eventually taken off in the second half by manager Khalid Jamil and was replaced by Gabriel Fernandes. The 29-year-old needs to get back into form, if East Bengal are to succeed with their title claim.
Title race back in Minerva Punjab’s hands
East Bengal had the golden opportunity to win the I-League for the first time in the history of the club. All they had to do was win their remaining two games, against Lajong and Neroca, and the trophy would be theirs (by virtue of goal difference)
However, Jamil’s men blew it in the end, as Mehtab Singh put in a horrendous challenge on Samuel to hand Lajong a penalty.
Now, the Red and Golds have to win their last match of the season against Neroca, and hope that Minerva drop points against Churchill Brothers.
