Chidi’s double strikes help East Bengal past Pune FC

Edeh Chidi struck twice as Kolkata giants East Bengal beat Pune FC 2-1, with Arata Izumi scoring the only goal for Pune. This win helps keep East Bengal in the I-League title race, as they now have 33 points from 18 matches, just two points behind leaders Churchill Brothers, who have 38 points from 16 matches.

As expected, the game was a cracker, as both the teams tried their best to score goals. It certainly was the match which could have changed the scenario of the league table, because if East Bengal lost this match, then it would have been very tough for the Red and Gold Brigade to keep afloat in the title race.

It was a very competitive match. Both teams shared almost equal ball possession, but it was the home side, Pune FC, who managed to create more attacks and had some golden opportunities to score. Though for Pune it was a great chance to exact some sweet revenge for their away loss against East Bengal, their defense looked a bit shaky and nervous right from the start. In the 6^th minute, Chidi scored the first goal and his 17th of this season for East Bengal after taking a superb turn around Pune defender Chikawali. After conceding the goal, Pune striker James Moga tried his best to equalize. In the 10^th minute, one of his shots was superbly defended by East Bengal defender Raju Gaikwad, who got a chance in the absence of Uga Okpara. Arnab Mondal too was outstanding in the East Bengal defense.

Pune FC were heavily relying on their striker James Moga, who was trying to utilize his height during Pune’s attacks. Every time the balls were played from the midfield or defense, Moga won it convincingly. In the 17^th minute, Arata Izumi equalized for Pune after a flicked headed pass from Moga.

East Bengal almost got their second in the 20^th minute, when a long ball from defender Raju Gaikwad was misjudged by Pune FC custodian Abhra Mondal. In the 40^th minute, Manandeep headed a cross from Naoba well, but Abhra saved it, with the first half ending 1-1.

In the second half, Pune FC played some outstanding football, as they made regular attacks in the East Bengal half. In the 52^nd minute, Chidi’s shot was saved by Abhra. In the very next minute James Moga missed a certain goal-scoring opportunity for Pune thanks to East Bengal goal-keeper Abhijit Mondal, who saved it superbly.

East Bengal’s fourth foreigner Andrew Barisic made his I-League debut for the club, when East Bengal coach Trevor James Morgan introduced him in the 58^th minute in place of Penn Orji, who disappointed the fans once more with his performance. In the 64^th minute, Haramajot Khabra surprised the Pune defense with a sudden shot which failed to find the inside of the net.

While Moga’s shot hit the post in the 71^st minute, East Bengal got a penalty in the very next minute, as Chidi was fouled in the area by Pune defender Subash, with Chidi converting for East Bengal. To try and equalise, Pune coach Derrick Pareira introduced Jeje Lalpekhlua in the 79^th minute, who was out for a while due to injury. In the 86^th minute, Pune got a chance to equalize but failed, as East Bengal custodian Abhijit came up with another good save.

Though 5 minutes were added after full 90 minutes, the game continued for 8 minutes. Pune however were not able to capitalise, and ended up on the losing end. With this loss, Pune remain in 4^th position on the league table, with 30 points from 16 matches.