Padang (Indonesia): East Bengal scripted history of a sort after securing their maiden berth in the AFC Cup semifinals, overcoming a spirited Semen Padang playing in front of a vociferous home crowd here on Tuesday.
The Indian club advanced on aggregate (2-1) after holding Semen Padang to a 1-1 draw in the the return leg quarterfinal.
Playing in front of a packed crowd, the Indonesian outfit started out aggressively and led at half time, thanks to a 23rd minute strike by Andrew Wilson.
But East Bengal, who needed just a draw to make the last-four, made a smart move by bringing in Baljit Singh Sahni whose measured cross saw substitue James Moga time his spot jump to perfection as he headed home the equaliser in the 75th minute.
For Joaquim Abranches and Abhijit Mondal, the success is all the more sweeter as they were also part of the Dempo squad that had played in the semis of the 2nd tier competition a few years ago. Dempo were the only Indian club to have made the last-four of the AFC Cup until now.
All India Football Federation President Praful Patel lauded the Kolkata outfit for their achievement.
“I congratulate East Bengal Club for their historic triumph,” Patel said. (PTI)
