East Bengal managed to edge past Gokulam Kerala 2-1 in the quarterfinal of the Durand Cup in Kolkata on Friday.
East Bengal managed to edge once Gokulam Kerala 2- 1 in the quarterfinal of the Durand Cup in Kolkata on Friday, courtesy strike from Jordan Elsey and an own thing from Aminou Bouba. East Bengal will now take on its Indian Super League counterpart Northeast United in the semi-final on Tuesday. The red and golden head trainer Carles Cuadrat contended an unchanged starting line- up from the last group game, whereas Gokulam master Domingo Oramas Cabrera made eight changes from its last contest, bringing in all his regular starters.
East Bengal stunned Gokulam in the opening nanosecond, as a corner kick by Borja Herrara was headed into the peril zone by Javier Siverio from the box’s edge, only to be brightly darted into the net by Australian protector Elsey.
Despite the early reversal, the Malabarians played well, looking dangerous on the forward, as the Torch Liaisons defended deep and played in transition.
EBFC came near to doubling its lead via another corner, but Saul Crespo’s right- footed trouble bounced back off the bar.
Also, Alejandro Sanchez Lopez forced a brilliant save out of East Bengal keeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, keeping the lead in place during the break.
Following the renew, Kerala displayed more intent in the quest for its equalizer, as it controlled the midfield, therefore putting pressure on the opponent’s defence.
The equaliser eventually arrived in the 57th through a title from Aminou, as K Abhijith’s cross from the left wing was forcefully netted in by Aminou, with Prabhsukhan slightly moving from his place.
Cleiton Silva was brought in for East Bengal to increase the attacking intensity and produced a half- chance to score, only to be denied by Gokulam goalie Zothanmawia.
East Bengal dominated with better ball possession, which put pressure on the Malabarian defence, while the former restored their lead in the 77th.
As Nishu Kumar danced the ball, it was unfortunately veered into his own net by Aminou.
Making the utmost of the occasion, EBFC defended well for the rest of the phase.
Although Edwin Sydney Vanspaul tried to test the Kerala keeper with a long- distance crack in the ending twinkles, Cleiton Silva came near to scoring the winner in injury time, only for his title to go wide. Know More Latest Football News…
