East Bengal secured a critical victory to climb to the top of CFL 2017 table, after arch rivals MB drew their previous fixture. The hosts made a mediocre start which was worsened when Pathachakra score the first goal of the game. Despite the initial threat, EB pulled back the equalizer well within the first half.
The second half witnessed a lot of turnover in possession and EB needed to be more ruthless in front of goal. Pathachakra put up a comprehensive and overall performance. However, a penalty in the final third of the match came to EB's rescue as Al Amna made no mistake from the spot.
90+2'The visitors get a lifeline with the 5 added minutes and are trying hard to break through EB defense. The hosts, on the other hand, has pulled all their players behind to protect the 1 goal lead.
East Bengal gets a silver lining as the referee blows the whistle for a penalty. Al Amna sets himself behind the ball as the Syrian aims to give EB a much-needed lead.
Samad plays a brilliant square ball into the box to set up a beautiful chance for Surabuddin to give EB the lead, but he sails the ball way past the goal.
82'- The match looks to be heading for a stalemate as EB are on the verge of squandering a chance to take a lead over arch rivals Mohun Bagan who also drew their last match
80'- EB make their final change. Khalid Jamil looking to bring in some experience to give the team some inspiration as Bradon goes out to make way for Cavin Lobo
75'- Mehtab is pushing forward and is getting more involved in attacks as EB look hard for a goal. Tamnoy is also doing a brilliant work on the left flank with constant overlapping to provide support and width to the team.
73'-Lots of possession turnovers with few chances for both the teams. East Bengal will need to be more ruthless if they have to find the winner amidst a stern Pathachakra defense.
69'-A young Pathachkra squad looking to beat the EB defense with pace and swift passes but the hosts prove time and again why they are the defending champions. The visitors are pressing forward frequently from either flanks but no fruitful result as of yet
66'- Pathachakra is trying to break in amidst a stern Bagan defense through aerial balls but the EB defense has stuck to their job throughout the game. Al Amna is coming deep to facilitate the play as the hosts looks to dominate the pace of the game
63'- Jagannath looked to be on the scoresheet yet again with an impeccable short but Barreto does a brilliant job between the sticks to keep the danger at bay
60'- A lightning run from the right flanks put the EB defense out of their comfort zone. However, the danger is dealt with as the look to play on the counter in their pursuit for a second foal
55'- Al Amna sets himself for a free kick from a lucrative region. But the shot takes a deflection and land on the back of the net. Corner for EB. A wild shot from Brandon as the ball sails past the post.
That's all for today folks!!