Brace from Dudu concludes Kingfisher East Bengal's homerun on high
During the opening exchanges, both the teams failed to create any clear-cut chances but East Bengal had the lion’s share of possession. While Jackichand’s free-kick seemed dangerous for the hosts, Cavin Lobo’s shot was off-target.
In the 21st minute, Dudu chipped in a sublime through ball to Khabra, but his chest trap sent the ball as far as Ranti. The Nigerian tried to take a shot from inside the box, but it was blocked in the bud. Dudu missed a header only a couple of minutes later, after getting the ball from Robert.
Just after the half-hour mark, Dudu controlled the ball well with his left foot, but his shot from just outside the box was saved by Prem.
In the other end, Kim timed a perfect run to beat the off-side trap, but under pressure from Arnab, could only pull off a tame shot straight at Barreto.
In the 45th minute, Kim had a similar run and this time he could take a proper belter, but it was gathered well by the East Bengal custodian.
In the next minute, Godwin Franco pulled the trigger from outside the box, after getting the ball from Densill. However, Luis Barreto showed great alertness to fist the ball above the bar.
There was still drama left in the added minutes and the hosts finally went into the lead. Ranti received the ball on the right edge of the box and sent it to the path of his fellow county-man who was making a run to the far post. Dudu did no mistake to slot the ball home from close range.
The teams went into the break with the scoreline showing a one goal advantage for the hosts.
In the 64th minute of the game, Kim missed another golden chance to score, but Dudu on the other end of the pitch doubled the lead.
After receiving the ball on the right flank, he made inroads into the Royals box and took a shot which was kept out by the opponent custodian. The rebound, however, was put to the back of the net by the former Salgaocar player.
Royals had a golden chance to halve the deficit in the 82nd minute, when Gurwinder Singh’s challenge on Bekay Bewar was given as a penalty. Densill Theobald stepped up, but his chip went over the bar.
With this win, East Bengal now retain the fourth spot in the table and will move up to the third spot if they win their last match. Royal’s brilliant debut season is now over with 30 points from 20 games.
Report: AIFF
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