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The first quarter-final of the Indian Super Cup took place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar as Aizawl FC and East Bengal clashed in an all I-League clash.
East Bengal secured their place in the top eight after a good performance in the pre-quarters against Mumbai City FC winning 2-1 after going a goal down.
Aizawl FC knocked out Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC in a closely contested match that was decided by a penalty shootout.
East Bengal relied on a late penalty scored by former Aizawl FC man Laldanmawia Ralte as they ensured their passage to the final four of the Super Cup in a match that saw Aizawl FC put on a strong defensive display.
East Bengal will face the winner of the tie between ISL franchises FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC.
#1 Mahmoud Al-Amna denied a close penalty call
East Bengal started the game on a strong note and attacked the Aizawl FC goal with a lot of intent.
They moved the ball across the midfield and did not allow the Mizoram side to get comfortable at the back.
One such promising attack was led by East Bengal's influential midfielder Mahmoud Al-Amna who cut in from the right flank into the box.
He was marked closely by Aizawl FC captain Alfred Kemah Jaryan who ended up tugging his shirt and bringing down the Syrian midfielder.
However, Khalid Jamil's side were unlucky to not get the penalty as the referee did not point to the spot despite a clear infraction inside the box by the Aizawl FC midfielder Jaryan.
#2 Dudu had plenty of chances to give East Bengal the lead
East Bengal looked strong whenever they went on the offensive against the Mizo side and kept their defence on the tenterhooks.
The midfield composed of Katsumi Yusa, Laldanmawia Ralte and Mahmoud Al-Amna kept looking for holes in the defence and created a lot of chances for the Kolkata giants.
However, it was their striker Omegbemi Dudu who had the best of chances to take the lead for Kingfisher East Bengal.
He was clinical with his movement around the box and made good runs providing a stellar option in the attack.
He had a lot of shots on the goal that were saved by the Aizawl custodian Lalawmpuia.
At the start of the second half, a through-ball by Al-Amna was met by Dudu, who made the run and managed to round the keeper but he took a heavy touch that allowed the keeper to regain composure and Dudu's effort went too far off the goal.
#3 Aizawl FC resist the East Bengal attacking barrage
Aizawl FC defence was highly organized and kept a compact shape denying the East Bengal side much space inside the box.
Kim Kima and Lalrosanga marshalled the defence at the back and were successful in denying East Bengal clear chances on the goal.
Masih Saighani and Alfred Jaryan played just in front of the backline and were highly resilient not allowing plays to easily develop in the centre of the park.
The two defensive midfielders won a lot of balls with their physical presence on the pitch. They won almost all of the aerial duels at the back providing much-needed cover to the Aizawl FC defence.
The duo were also responsible for kickstarting counter-attacks from the back of the Mizoram side.
#4 East Bengal continued to press on for the match-winner
East Bengal controlled the tempo of the game in the centre of the park with their passing and good ball retention.
They pressed the Aizawl FC side and did not allow them to catch them on the counter, though Aizawl were sometimes able to get their chances through on goal as well.
Katsumi Yusa was the major anchor in the midfield for the Kolkata giants and with Al-Amna in tow with him, the duo wreaked havoc on the Aizawl backline, who held their own denying East Bengal many clear chances on the goal.
Dudu Omegbemi was subbed out and on came Ansumana Kromah who provided fresh legs in the attack for Jamil's side.
#5 Ralte scores late to put East Bengal into the semis
Kolkata giants East Bengal's persistent play finally came to a satisfying conclusion when the substitute Ansumana Kromah was brought down inside the box by Aizawl FC keeper Lalawmpuia.
Kromah had replaced Nigerian striker Dudu as Khalid Jamil put on a fresh striker in hopes of getting the elusive winning goal in the match.
His substitution paid off as Kromah won the penalty when he ran after a through-ball and was fouled by Lalawmpuia as the ref pointed to the spot.
East Bengal winger Laldanmawia Ralte stepped up to take the spot-kick against his former side and did no mistake in beating the keeper and putting East Bengal through to the semifinals.
