East Bengal come to the ‘four’ ahead of derby

Bambolim: This was a different East Bengal — in form, shape, and intent. Unlike the opening game of the Super Cup, there was a different result too as the Kolkata giants floored Chennaiyin FC 4-0 at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, on Tuesday.

Bipin Singh (39’, 45’) scored twice after Kevin Sibille had calmed nerves for East Bengal in the 35th minute to take a 3-0 lead in the opening half, the goals coming in a 11-minute blitz. Substitute Hiroshi Ibusuki completed the rout with a second half stoppage-time penalty.

At the heart of the first three goals was Naorem Mahesh Singh, who carved open the Chennaiyin defence for his teammates to score.
It was a much-needed win for East Bengal. After the disappointing opening day’s draw against Dempo SC at the same venue, any other result against Chennaiyin would have meant curtains for them. Questions would have been asked about coach Oscar Bruzon too. Both now live to fight another day: a high-stake Derby against archrivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Friday, with the winner progressing to the knockout stage of the competition.

Fielding an all-Indian squad, Chennaiyin are now out of the competition. Clifford Miranda’s side started with a 0-2 loss against Mohun Bagan, and given that there were encouraging moments that night, they were expected to do better here. Nothing seemed to work; not even the change in captaincy, from Pritam Kotal to Mandar Rao Dessai.

Chennaiyin have also drawn a blank in their two games so far, despite having two players – Irfan Yadwad and Farukh Choudhary – who have spearheaded India’s attack in recent times.

Bruzon, as expected, recalled Prabhsukhan Singh Gill in goal and started with Miguel Ferreira, who saved East Bengal’s blushes with the second goal in the opener.

It was the Brazilian attacker who provided some impetus on the right wing and tested the Chennaiyin goalkeeper, first from a free-kick and then from a left-footer, both of which Mohammad Nazwaz had no difficulty in dealing with.

Chennaiyin had little of note at the other end.

East Bengal broke the deadlock from a free-kick after Bipin was fouled just outside the box. Mahesh swung an excellent ball inside the box, and while Chennaiyin were still trying to figure out their positioning, Sibillie towered over defender Raj Basfore to head home.

Four minutes later, East Bengal had another one. Again, Mahesh was the provider, after Miguel had done well to zigzag his way and land the ball at his feet. The India winger’s cross created panic inside the Chennaiyin danger zone, and before anyone knew, Bipin had darted from behind to score.

Chennaiyin were stunned. By the end of the first half, the match was as good as over after Mahesh and Bipin combined to score East Bengal’s third in first-half stoppage time. This time the duo did even better as Mahesh’s defence-splitting through pass saw Bipin time his run and slot the ball past the keeper.

In the second half, with the match in their pocket, East Bengal kept the ball to themselves and, expectedly, did not show any urgency. Chennaiyin were content they had not conceded another one, until stoppage time when Mandar extended his left leg to trip Edmund Lalrindika inside the box.

Hiroshi stepped up and sent Nawaz the other way as East Bengal registered the biggest win in the tournament so far.