A look back what happened 9 years before

The people of Kolkata are known for their passion for football. In fact, when it comes to football, these people go crazy. In the era of 90’s, Kolkata only understood two clubs; East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. But with EPL, La Liga and other European football tournaments being made accessible, they are changing their interests from Indian football to European football. Some of them are still known for their hardcore support for these two Kolkata giants, but many of them have forgotten the past glory of these two clubs.

With respect to East Bengal, can you remember what happened 9 years before, on July 26^th? Some of you have surely understood what my point is. But those who cannot remember, 9 years before on July 26^th, East Bengal created history by becoming the first Indian club to win any Asian level football tournament by beating Thailand’s BEC Terro Sasana by 3-1. My intention is not to hurt those people who have forgotten this glory, I just want to relive that day with you.

That team consisted of some renowned players like Mike Okoro, Bhaichung Bhutia, Alvito D’Cunha, Douglas, skipper Suley Musha and Sashti Duley. Under the supervision of then coach Subhas Bhowmich, East Bengal participated in that tournament after getting an invitation from the host country Jakarta. The start was not so good for the Red and Gold Brigade as they were beaten by the finalist and then Champion club of Asia by 1-0. But as the tournament progressed, the Kolkata giant got enough momentum to pass all the hurdles. In the final match, the Thais were strong favourites but East Bengal had the last laugh, grabbed the title and created history.

Though both the teams wasted some spectacular and easy chances in both halves, Nigerian Mike Okoro, who started his second match after getting an injury, opened the account in the final when his powerful strike crashed into the net in the 30^th minute. Bhaichung Bhutia, who got the award of highest goal scorer in the tournament by scoring 9 goals and Man of The Match award in the final, increased the tally in the 52^nd minute by his lone effort. He got the ball from a defender inside the penalty box, pulled the goal-keeper out of his position, and cleverly guided the ball into the net, even though he had lost his footing once. Alvito D’Cunha completed the score sheet in the 78^th minute from a thunderous right foot strike from outside the penalty box. The only goal conceded by East Bengal in the 55^th minute was scored by the Sasana midfielder Anaikongopan.

Alvito is the only man of that champion team, playing for the East Bengal currently. That memory of that glory is still fresh in his mind. Currently he is in the pre-season camp in Kalyani, West Bengal. Last Thursday, after the practice session, all the players celebrated that glory. Coach Morgan also took part. Though he was not a regular in the last season, the way he is progressing right now we can expect some fancy touches from his left foot in the upcoming season.

Watch the video right here….