SHILLONG: Kingfisher East Bengal pulled off a much needed win much to the dismay of a spirited Rangdajied United FC who went down 1-2 to the Kolkatans in an I-League match at the JN Stadium here on Saturday. The win was East Bengal’s second in Shillong this season. They had earlier trounced another home side, Shillong Lajong FC, 4-0 here.
East Bengal’s victory in Saturday’s encounter was courtesy of goals in either half from Gurwinder Singh (41′) and Shylo Malswamtulunga (84′). The lone scorer for the hosts was Kim Yong (45+1′).
To start with, both teams shared possession with neither side being able to convert. It was Rangdajied’s Manandeep Singh who had the first real chance when the hosts earned a corner in the 27th minute. Munmun Lugun fired the ball in low to the near post but Manandeep’s header went wide.
It was, however, the away side who took the lead four minutes from half time. A perfectly delivered free-kick was neatly headed over Subrata Paul by Gurwinder Singh who gave his side the lead. Gurwinder was in a great position on the left.
The Blues though responded almost immediately when Eugene Lyngdoh took the ball up on the right flank and picked out Kim Yong with a low cross in first half stoppage time. Running forward, the North Korean striker placed his header in the corner of the net to restore parity between the clubs.
It was East Bengal who looked to seize the initiative after the half-time break as the midfield began to push on in search of the winner. They were attacking from the word go and even on the few occasions when the hosts got the ball, the Red & Golds quickly took it back and made rapid counterattacks that Rangdajied had to do well to thwart.
Cavin Lobo had one of KEB’s best chances with a good shot from the right, but the ball went across the face of the goal and out from a tight angle.
RUFC began to find their second session feet after 70 minutes, with Lyngdoh firing a long distance shot that just cleared the crossbar.
As the game seemed to rush towards a draw, Malsawmtulunga broke the hearts of the home fans with the third goal of the contest.
Chidi took a shot on goal from well outside the box that moved in the air slightly, making it difficult for Subrata to collect. His fumble allowed Malsawmtlunga to tap in the ball for the easiest of goals.
Thereafter, Rangdajied were not able to find the equalizer and crushed to their sixth defeat of the season.
Rangdajied coach Santosh Kashyap said that despite losing out on a point, his boys competed well throughout the match.
East Bengal coach Armando Colaco on the other hand was elated to have netted three points against “a competitive Rangdajied side.”
