Chiranjibip

Bhubaneswar: Kolkata-based I-League club East Bengal managed to convert a penalty kick in the injury time of the second half to beat Aizawl FC by 1-0 goal in the first quarter-final of Super Cup Football Tournament at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.

East Bengal dominated in the first half. They stared with an early attack in the eighth minute when Mahmoud Al Amna went ahead by beating the defenders and passed the ball forward to Machpherlin Dudu who was found offside by the lineman.

They made constant attacks in the first half. East Bengal midfielders and their lone forward Dudu tested the Aizawl goalie Lalawmpuia in more than one occasions in the first half.

Aizawl FC came closer to score a goal four minutes before half-time but Romanian midfielder Andrei Ionescu's left-footed kick from the edge of the box went on to hit the side net.

East Bengal also got a chance in the injury time of the first half but they failed to capitalise again and at half-time the scoreline remained on 0-0.

Just after the change of sides, East Bengal attacked in the 46th minute with Nigerian striker Dudu. He tried to enter the box but was blocked by the goalkeeper and a curling second attempt later went wide off the post.

Aizawl FC looked more positive and quick on the pitch in the second half. They attacked the Kolkata-based club's goalpost on couple of occasions in the 58th and 60th minute but both went in-vain for the team from Mizoram.

East Bengal made a crucial substitution at the last moment of the game by bringing in Liberian striker Ansumana Kromah in place of Dudu.

When the game was moving towards extra-time, Ansumana Kromah was brought down by Aizawl FC goalie Lalawmpuia in the injury time inside the box and East Bengal was awarded a penalty kick. Laldanmawia Ralte of East Bengal converted the penalty kick from the spot without any problem and ensured a victory for East Bengal and a place in the semifinals of the tourney.

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