East Bengal exact revenge

Salgaocar wrested the initiative and took early control of play. The match was confined to the mid-field for a better part but it was Salgaocar who enjoyed the upperhand. In the 26th minute, Odegah moved into the box and as East Bengal’s defenders rushed out they left their citadel exposed. Salgaocar’s Iraqi import Sameer Abbas pounced on the opportunity, sending in a strong left-footer inthe net.

East Bengal technical director PK Banerjee to keep substituting. Somatai Shaiza was pulled out just before the break and was replaced by Nigerian Humphry E Jebba.

In the 56th minute, off a Tushar Rakshit cross, East Bengal’s Kenyan star Samuel Omollo headed. Goalkeeper Siddi punched it out in haste but straight to to Bhutia who nodded in for an equaliser.

East Bengal sprung into action after the equaliser, and Banerjee’s strategy of playing Bhutia as a withdrawn forward paid dividends as the star started feeding the strikers with moves.

It was East Bengal all over the field and in the 62nd minute, A Felix released the ball to Jebba and then placed himself inside the box to take a strong shot after receiving the wall pass to put his side ahead. The effort also earned him the Man of Match Award.