Kolkata: Dimitrios Diamantakos scored on his debut in East Bengal FC jersey as Carles Cuadrat’s team began their Durand Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Indian Air Force FT at the Salt Lake Stadium on Monday.
East Bengal found themselves trailing against the run of play, when Somananda Singh stunned the 10000-odd fans, heading home Saurav Sadhukhan’s cross in the 19th minute.
After missing a plethora of chances, David Lalhlansanga eventually restored parity for East Bengal two minutes from the break. Having controlled Madih Talal’s delightful chip, David saw goalkeeper Subhajit Basu come out of line and coolly lobbed the ball in over him.
Cuadrat introduced Diamantakos and PV Vishnu in the second half and the Greek forward rose to the occasion in the 61st minute to make his debut special, heading home Mark Zo’s cross from left.
Six minutes later, Saul Crespo sealed the deal, beating the goalkeeper with a low shot which hit the inside of the post before going in. tnn