Off the bench,Sueoka gives EB first-leg win

Sueoka was declared unfit by Falopa and was not used in the club's first two matches in the Calcutta Football League.

East Bengal rode on substitute Ryuji Sueoka8217;s second-half strike to scrape past Semen Padang of Indonesia 1-0 in their home-leg of AFC Cup quarterfinals at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

Sueoka walks into any side in Indian football but somehow East Bengals Brazilian coach Marcus Falopa seemed to have some reservations about his ability or fitness. So,the Japanese midfielder,who only came onto the field in the 55th minute as a fter coming onto the field as a substitute for Reisangmi Vashumhad a point to prove. He did it in brilliant fashion curling a ball from the edge of the box just 15 minutes after he took the field.

Sueoka was declared unfit by Falopa and was not used in the club8217;s first two matches in the Calcutta Football League. But it was inexplicable that a player of his quality was kept on the bench in such an important international fixture. Cavin Lobo,picked to play in his place,lacked impetus and creativity.

Little wonder that East Bengal were placid in the first half,though they had a couple of excellent opportunities against the run of play. Vashum missed a sitter on 23 minutes after Edeh Chidi had set him up nicely. Then James Moga bungled another very good chance from close range.

Padang were better in the first half despite the fact that the dangerous Edward Junior Wilson was kept on a tight leash by an excellent Uga Okpara. But Ronaldo Mofu missed an open header on 15 minutes. Earlier,Muhammad Nur Iskander was denied by a very good save from East Bengal goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh.

The home side missed old coach Trevor Morgan8217;s tactical nous and Penn Orji8217;s creativity in the first half. The former8217;s replacement,Falopa,strangely resorted to long-ball tactics,while Moga,who was signed up in place of Orji this season,looked sloth and unfit.

But everything changed after 54 minutes when Sueoka came amid loud cheers from an adoring 40,000-odd fans. He started to rule the midfield as East Bengal grabbed their opposition by the scruff of the neck.

Story continues below this ad

Falopa made another good substitution when he brought in Joaquim Abranches in place of an insipid Moga on 62 minutes. The South Sudanese forward was livid and kicked a water bottle on his way out but the change worked perfectly.

Chidi missed after dribbling past everyone including the goalkeeper. But it had to be Sueoka8217;s night. Padang8217;s only moment of inspiration in the second half came on 65 minutes when Wilson rattled the frame from distance. But East Bengal were far too superior in this period and thoroughly deserved their win.And Falopa was a relieved man. Morgan8217;s shadow has been trailing him ever since he took charge in July. This win will help him assert his own identity.

Sueoka Still unfit

He defended his decision to bring in Sueoka as a substitute. He8217;s still not ready for 90 minutes. The important thing is that we have won this game and are confident to progress by holding on to the lead in the away fixture,8221; he said.

Padang coach Jaffri Sastra,however,felt that East Bengal were lucky to go one-up. We have the ability to turn things around on our home patch,8221; he contended. The return leg will be played on September 24 and East Bengal need just a draw to reach the semi-finals.