Sadiku header cancels out Mohammedan’s South American magic
Nigerian forward strikes late as East Bengal began their Durand Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Mohammedan Sporting
Mohammedan’s attacking South American duo Nicolas Velez and Marcus Joseph forced East Bengal goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh to make two big saves
Kolkata: Salifu Sadiku’s late goal helped East Bengal salvage a 1-1 draw against Mohammedan Sporting in their Group A opener of the 140th Durand Cup football tournament at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium on Saturday. Mohammedan Sporting, however, will feel unlucky as they could have won the match had it not been for some fine saves from East Bengal goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh and some poor finishing from their forwards. The match started at a brisk pace and Mohammedan Sporting could have taken the lead as early as the fourth minute, but Nicolas Velez’s shot from inside the box was brilliantly saved by Kamaljit. East Bengal then came close to scoring in the 11th minute, but Angouly Sana’s header from a corner kick went just wide. East Bengal goalkeeper Kamaljit came to their side’s rescue again in the 21st minute, denying Marcus Joseph from close range after the latter was put through on goal by Velez. Mohammedan Sporting did not give up and they finally got the goal their dominance deserved in the 34th minute. Marcus Joseph picked up the ball on the left flank and after entering the box, he played a square ball for Velez, who calmly slotted the ball into the net. East Bengal tried to find the equaliser in the second half, but Mohammedan Sporting defended resolutely and kept them at bay. Mohammedan Sporting had a couple of chances to double their lead, but poor finishing from Joseph and substitute Azharuddin Mallick let East Bengal off the hook. East Bengal thought they had equalised in the 87th minute, but substitute Jackichand Singh’s goal was ruled out for offside. However, the red-and-gold brigade did not give up and they managed to find the equaliser in the 90th minute. A cross from the right flank found Sadiku inside the box and the Nigerian forward made no mistake with a powerful header to make it 1-1. East Bengal will next face Army Red on August 23, while Mohammedan Sporting will take on Sudeva Delhi FC on August 27.
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