I-League outfit East Bengal advanced to the quarterfinals of the Super Cup by registering a thrilling 2-1 victory over Indian Super league (ISL) side Mumbai City at the Kalinga stadium here.
The first half did not see many goal-scoring chances being created but saw an end to end football and two brilliant goals, one from each side. It was Mumbai who struck first.
In the 22nd minute, Eduardo inflicted a needless challenge to bring down Mumbai midfielder Sahil Tavora about 35 yards out from the East Bengal box. Cameroonian Achille Emana then engineered an outrageous late curl off his right-footer from the resultant free-kick, to leave the East Bengal keeper Ubaid stunned.
However, the Kolkata giants were quick to hit back in the 26th minute through Katsumi Yusa.
Mumbai coach Guimaraes ringed in the changes and played all his cards by bringing in Pranjal Bhumij for Khongjee in the 65th minute, Abinash Ruidas for Zaqeer in the 76th and finally Biswajit Saha for Sahil Tavora in the 84th minute, but it was East Bengal who not only trusted the same 11 throughout the game but also reaped the rewards for being the more enterprising side.
They found the winner in the 73rd minute when Laldanmawia Ralte unleashed a powerful shot which was halted by Mumbai custodian Amrinder. However, Syrian Mahmoud Al-Amna came rushing in to meet the rebound to make it 2-1 for side.
East Bengal will now move onto play Aizawl FC in the quarter-finals.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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