Cleiton Silva inspired East Bengal to a 2-1 win over Hyderabad, scoring a stunning free-kick in injury time to win the game for his side. The star striker made his first start this season and made a huge impact in front of a raucous crowd at Salt Lake Stadium.
The Red and Gold Brigade went down in the first half with Hitesh Sharma capitalising on some poor defending from the home side. He sprang up in the box unmarked and lobbed the ball past Prabhsukhan Gill. However, their lead would not last long with Cleiton scoring only a minute later to equalise.
East Bengal earn first win of the season over Hyderabad FC
East Bengal captain Harmanjot Khabra and Hyderabad captain Joao Victor were constantly involved in a heated tussle throughout the second half. Khabra’s experience allowed him to get his counterpart booked after light contact to his face.
Hyderabad had a number of opportunities to score a second time in the game. But, they were denied by Gill who was unshakeable between the sticks after the first goal.
After impressing in the Durand Cup this year, Carles Cuadrat’s side have managed to start the ISL season with the same form. They are unbeaten and have picked up four points from their first two games, climbing to fourth place.
The Nizams, on the other hand, are in ninth after their opening game of the season.
