Bagan bag final spot against EB

The game, played in gentle drizzle, saw action from the first minute with Vijayan failing to direct his volley off Khentang Paite’s pass. The next minute, Bagan were defending as Moses Ohira hit Kabui’s flag-kick wide.Paite made the crucial move that resulted in Bagan’s first goal in the 61st minute. Sporting custodian Shanti Majumdar, who had a torrid time today, threw the ball towards left-back Rash Mohan Mallick. Paite intercepted and aimed a high cross at Vijayan. The lanky striker roseto head the ball into the net.

Kabui equalised after a bout of frayed tempers which saw two players being booked, resulting in a free-kick to Sporting. Gunabir Singh took a measured kick inside the Bagan box. As the ball came back after hitting a defender, Kabui pounced on it and slotted home.

Sporting’s visions of taking the game into extra-time crumbled nine minutes later when Chima Okerie restored the lead for Bagan. A Yonnan Basim shot hit Sporting defender Amitava Ghosh and was deflected to the right. Amit Das ran in to grab the loose ball and put it back in the centre. Okerie, waiting at goalmouth, found his gap and calmly headed in past Majumdar.