Team Herald
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PANJIM: FC Goa were made to work for a point against 10 men SC East Bengal in the Indian Super League after playing an eventful 1-1 draw at Tilak Maidan, Vasco.
The Gaurs were handed a familiar situation after a stunning solo goal from Bright Enobakhare in the 79th minute gave East Bengal the lead.
The new signing scored in the second consecutive game to become first EB player to score in back to back games. But it was his strike, which was the highlight of the day as he danced his way past the entire Goa defence before humiliating the last line as he rolled the ball into the goal. The striker was honest enough to claim he didn’t remember what he did on the field and was reacted stunned to watch his strike during the post match presentation.
The goal however last just a minute, as the Gaurs came with an instant reply with Saviour Gama setting up Devendra Murgaonkar with a perfect cross in the box, and the substitute headed past the keeper, 1-1.
The first half was dominated by the Gaurs and forced East Bengal keeper Debjit Majumder into action in couple of occasions.
The keeper was alert to keep James Donachie header off the frame. He was instrumental in keeping his side in the game.
At the other end, the Kolkata side too missed chances. Aaron Amadi-Holloway first missed an open header from a free-kick. A minute later, SCEB won a throw-in, and Raju Gaikwad found an unmarked Daniel Fox at the far post, who failed to keep his shot on target.
In the second half, East Bengal suffered a huge blow when Fox receiving marching orders for his challenge on Alexander Jesuraj.
However, the expulsion didn’t affect East Bengal’s game plan and nearly took the lead but Matti Steinmann did everything right to get into the box, but his last effort was wasteful. He shot wide with just the keeper in goal.
Bright then scored to give SC East Bengal a surprise lead with a solo strike but received an instant answer from Goa who scored the equaliser through Devendra.
Despite Goa dominating the possessions and having superior passing, East Bengal looked threatening with their attacks. Surely much improvised performance from Fowler’s side.
