East Bengal through to Super Cup final after 10 win over FC Goa

BHUBANESWAR: Dudu Omegbemi struck the match’s only goal as East Bengal recorded a 1-0 win over FC Goa to make the final of the inaugural Super Cup, here today. After a goalless first half, Nigerian striker Dudu broke the deadlock in 78th minute at the Kalinga Stadium.

East Bengal now await the winners of the second semi-final between Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC, to be held on Tuesday. Coach Khalid Jamil went in with a 4-5-1 combination with Dudu the lone striker upfront and Ugandan Khalid Aucho getting his first start in midfield.

FC Goa’s coach Derick Pereira fielded a 4-4-2 with Manvir Singh partnering Spaniard Ferran Corominas (Coro) in attack.

It was a scrappy first-half which ended goalless.

The half was highlighted by as many as four bookings, equally shared by both sides. East Bengal continued to press hard in the second half and Dudu and Katsumi again missed at least three golden opportunities, the Nigerian being the more profligate one. The deadlock was finally broken when another quality cross from the left flank by Katsumi found Dudu who tapped in past Kattimani.

BFC WARY OF BAGAN

Bengaluru FC will start as favourites against Mohun Bagan in Tuesday’s Super Cup semi-final but their coach Alberto Roca termed the Kolkata giants as a team that has a “lot of character”.

With India captain Sunil Chhetri in prolific form, on paper Bengaluru FC are way ahead of Mohun Bagan on their day they can be a handful for any opposition. coach Roca wants to guard his men against complacency.

“We are not the favourites in this match. Mohun Bagan are a more difficult team than what we have faced so far,” he said.