East Bengal, one of the historic Indian clubs set foot in the Indian Super League this season. Unlike their city rivals, Mohun Bagan who merged with 3 times ISL champions ATK and formed ATK Mohun Bagan FC, East Bengal has brought in new investors and entered into the ISL.
The Kolkata giants brought in some experienced players in the likes of Anthony Pilkington, Jacques Maghoma and Danny Fox among others. But the sad thing is that Robbie Fowler’s team is yet to taste their first win in ISL.
Today, SC East Bengal took on Kerala Blasters and were so close to earning their first victory but they only have themselves to blame for that rued chance.
SCEB were on top of their game from the very start. Maghoma and Pilkington were lively in the front and combined well with Rafique as they forced an own goal to make it 1-0.
Kerala Blasters had more possession but were unable to do anything in the final third as East Bengal were creating the more dangerous chances. The only thing lacking was the final touch or misunderstanding among the East Bengal players while finishing.
Kerala goalkeeper Albino also made some outstanding saves but it’s no excuse for the likes of Maghoma and Pilkington. They should have converted those into the net and put the game out of Kerala’s reach.
Kibu Vicuna’s second half changes proved to be vital as Sahal provided a cross deep into injury time to which Jeakson rose the highest and send the ball beyond Debjit’s reach and into the net.
Fowler’s men must be angry at themselves for not taking their chances while Kibu would be happy with his team’s fighting spirit as both the teams search for their first ISL win of this season.
