Kolkata: League leaders East Bengal FC had to rally twice to share the spoils with defending champions Mohammedan Sporting in an entertaining 2-2 stalemate in their CFL Super Six championship round match at Naihati on Friday.
Mohammedan Sporting went in front on either side of the break, thanks to goals from Bamiya Samad (21st minute) and Soraisam Robinson Singh (51).However, a brace from Jesin TK (40 and 77 minutes) helped East Bengal escape with a point and keep their unbeaten run in the league. This was East Bengal’s second draw in 15 matches and their first in the Super Six stage. Bino George’s side, however, stayed atop the standings with 41 points, 5 points ahead of Diamond Harbour FC, who have a game in hand.
Mohammedan Sporting, who, with 23 points now, have lost the title defence, were the better side at Naihati and deservedly went ahead when Joseph Lalmuanawma laid it off for Samad to come up with a simple tap-in. East Bengal, however, ended the first half at 1-1 with PV Vishnu sending a centre from the byline and Jesin turning Aman CK’s attempt off it towards the goal. Mohammedan SC regained their lead soon after the restart, Robinson beating goalkeeper Aditya Patra with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
With the holders now raising their game and controlling the proceedings, East Bengal were staring at their first defeat. But Aman sent Jesin free down the left flank with a delectable through ball and the latter rounded an advancing goalkeeper Subhadip Pandit before placing it into an open net.