East Bengal squeeze into semis

Earlier, Churchill Brothers rounded off their league engagement with a 2-1 verdict over Bangladesh’s Mukti Joddha to finish as Group B toppers. After a hard-fought win against JCT, East Bengal’s Dronacharya coach felt that it is the midfield which needed improvement. And it is better they pulled up their socks in time as, in all probability, the Calcutta side will set up a clash with in-form Mahindra United for a place in the final. Going by what Mahindra had exhibited in their previous two matches, it is not going to be an easy outing for East Bengal in the first semi-final on November 8. And to make matters worse, striker Dipendu Biswas, who achieved the tournament’s only hat-trick so far, will have to sit out after his second bookable offence for illegal use of the elbow. Upfront, the duo of Bijen Singh and Biswas disappointed as both spurned some gilt-edged opportunities.

Either they got stuck in the JCT’s compact defence or fumbled. It was only late into the second session when Sheikh Sanjeeb substituted Biswas that East Bengal looked like consolidating the lead. Sanjeeb, a former TFA ward, beautifully executed a firm left-footed volley which JCT goalkeeper Arvind Kumar flapped it over the bar. One wondered why Sanjeeb was introduced just 10 minutes before close.

In the first match of the day, favourites Churchill Brothers won their third successive match to top the group with nine points. Francis Silveira, who was brought in after the interval, scored a brace as the Goan League champions beat Bangladesh’s Mukti Joddha 2-1. The lanky Churchill striker scored in the 55th and 67th minutes respectively to take his tally to four. Rejaul Karim Liton reduced the margin for the Bangladesh outfit six minutes before the final whistle.

Monday’s matches: Mohun Bagan vs TFA (1 pm); Mahindra United vs Salgaocar (3 pm)