East Bengal FC delivered a disciplined defensive display to bag a goalless draw against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant and qualify for the semifinals of the Super Cup from Group A on Friday.
Both teams ended with six points, but Oscar Bruzon’s squad progressed to the semifinals due to their superior goal difference, bolstered by a 4-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC on Tuesday.
In a match lacking clear chances, East Bengal’s defence, led by Anwar Ali, remained compact and organised throughout, frustrating the Indian Super League champions who needed a victory over arch-rivals East Bengal to advance to the semifinals.
The best chance of the first half occurred in the 24th minute when Bipin Singh’s header from a Miguel Figueira cross hit the post
and bounced back into play.
Mohun Bagan intensified their efforts after the break. In the 46th minute, Liston Colaco’s looping header from an Apuia delivery narrowly missed the target, landing on the roof of the net.
The Mariners had their best period around the 67th and 69th minutes when Liston’s shot was blocked by Ali, followed by a free-kick double chance — Jason Cummings’ attempt hit the wall before Liston’s retaken effort was also blocked.
Cummings then crossed from the rebound, but Aldred’s header went off target.
The result meant that in four meetings between the two fierce Kolkata rivals this season, East Bengal has won twice, Mohun Bagan once, and one ended in a draw.
East Bengal had previously triumphed in the CFL Premier Division and Durand Cup derbies but lost the IFA Shield final to Mohun Bagan on penalties earlier this month.
Dempo and Chennaiyin sign off with tame draw
At Bambolim, Dempo Sports Club and Chennaiyin FC ended their AIFF Super Cup Group A campaigns with a 1-1 draw at the GMC Stadium.
Shubham Rawat put Dempo ahead in the 25th minute with a curling free-kick before Chennaiyin goalkeeper Samik Mitra scored a brilliant equaliser from his own half four minutes later.
The result left Dempo third with three points and Chennaiyin bottom with one, as both sides exited the competition.
Despite Dempo’s urgency to chase goals and keep their faint semifinal hopes alive, Chennaiyin held firm in the second half, with Irfan Yadwad missing a close header in the 75th minute.
(With PTI Inputs)
