Indian Super League: Goa FC defeats host East Bengal 2-1
Goa FC took a late lead to defeat East Bengal 2-1 in their first match of the 2022-23 Indian Super League (ISL) on Wednesday. The Gaurs exerted dominance from the beginning of the game that unfolded at the Salt Lake Stadium
Image credit: pia.images.co.uk Indian Super League (ISL)Some brilliant footwork at the midfield led to a pass to Alvaro Vazquez on the left. The forward set up a ball for Brandon Fernandes, who scored the first goal.
Fernandes outmanoeuvred Ivan Gonzalez and sent the ball past Kamaljit Singh. Fernandes and Vazquez created another chance, this time for Redeem Tlang, but his volley went wide.
Their high-octane performance featured multiple scorings attempts by Edu Bedia, apart from an unsuccessful shot from Vazquez. East Bengal pulled off a few decent moves but was sloppy with possession.
They improved in the second half, but Goa FC maintained a solid hold over the match; Stephen Constantine replaced Tuhin Das and Sumeet Passi with Naorem Mahesh Singh and Sarthak Golui.
The duo momentarily disrupted the Goa defence as the home fans cheered on. However, Cleiton Silva and VP Suhair's tactics were hard to beat.
All hope seemed lost until Silva chimed in for East Bengal
East Bengal finally equalised in the 64th minute. Left-back Jerry Lalrinzuala passed on an alluring cross to Suhair, positioned at the edge of the box.
The winger made a delicate touch and Dheeraj's subsequent challenge eked out a spot-kick in the home team's favour. Silva stepped up and kicked towards the bottom corner.
After the equaliser, the teams revved up their defence. Marc Valiente and Lal Chungnunga were the top players of Goa and East Bengal, respectively.
The unexpected surge in East Bengal's game alarmed the Gaurs. They implemented a series of crucial interceptions and blocks. Despite the chances created, a last-minute winner looked improbable.
In the final minutes of stoppage time, Edu Bedia, a star throughout the match, was fouled by former teammate Gonzalez in the Gaurs' midfield third.
Edu Bedia launched a well-timed free-kick that dropped into the box. Kamaljit's shot eluded defenders and attackers before landing in the top corner.
His savoury goal earned Goa FC all three points. Despite East Bengal's initial struggle to dominate the match, both teams displayed quality performances.
The Gaurs were rewarded for their sheer quality and good luck. After seven attempts, the win has broken their winless streak at the Salt Lake Stadium.
They have started their ISL 2022-23 campaign with a glorious away victory. Meanwhile, East Bengal suffered their second consecutive defeat, although they have grown as a squad.
Now, Goa FC will take on Chennaiyin FC, and East Bengal will face NorthEast United FC in their upcoming ISL matches.