East Bengal keep alive title hopes with win over Viva Kerala

KOLKATA: Syed Rahim Nabi's sublime strike early on in East Bengal's I-League match against Viva Kerala on Friday was a perfect example of the oft-repeated statement that a goal can change the entire complexion of a team.
Still reeling from the shock 1-2 loss to Pune FC in their last match and missing six regular players, East Bengal made an extremely sluggish start in overcast conditions at the Salt Lake Stadium with the opponents earning two corners within the first seven minutes.
But India international Nabi, who was playing as the right-back, produced a brilliant goal in the 18th minute to instill life into his team and inspire them to a 3-0 win.
Taking control of a loose ball, Nabi made a rippling down-the-middle sprint of more half the length of the pitch before sending an immaculate right-footed drive to the far post from the top of the box. Just a couple of minutes later, the scoreline was doubled.
Viva defender Bello Rasaq's weak clearance off a Ravinder Singh cross from the left fell to Penn Orji, who evaded two sliding challenges inside the box to coolly place it home with his left foot.
Suddenly, even the depleted Kolkata side looked in total control. Penn, who looked off-colour in the last two matches, was back at his sublime best. He controlled the midfield play and had the Viva defenders on their toes with some fantastic ball distribution.
Trevor Morgan, however, had to replace Alexandro Dasilva Santos in the 33rd minute. Santos suffered a head injury during an aerial tussle in the 10th minute. He came on to the field subsequently but had to be taken off since the dressing failed to stop blood oozing out of his wound. The man who replaced him, Sushil Singh, also got his name on the scoresheet.
After Viva striker Felix Chimaokwu's snapshot came off the post in the 40th minute, at the other end Sushil more or less settled the issue when he stooped low to head a Sanju Pradhan free-kick from the left.
The second half was more about Morgan's men maintaining the lead and though they didn't show much urgency, they came close to scoring at least thrice. Viva goalkeeper Sharath K did well to ensure the difference didn't swell further. Viva coach P Kunhikrishnan introduced striker Anil Kumar, who is the highest-scorer among the Indians, but to no avail.
The red and golds moved up to second place with 44 points from 21 matches while Viva stayed on 22. Morgan will now have his eyes on Saturday's Goa derby between leaders Salgaocar and Dempo, hoping Dempo win the match.
Friday's Result
East Bengal 3 Viva Kerala 0
Saturday's Matches
In Kolhapur: Air India vs Churchill Brothers
In Fatorda: Salgaocar SC vs Dempo SC.