East Bengal Earns First Point in ISL with Brave 70-Minute 9-Men Fight; Mohun Bagan Wastes Chances
In a gripping mini derby at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan on Saturday, East Bengal secured their first point in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season with a resilient 70-minute performance, despite being reduced to just nine men. The match, which seemed destined to end in defeat for East Bengal after two red cards in the first half, saw them bravely hold on to a draw.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 29th minute when referee Harish Kundu issued a red card to East Bengal’s Nandakumar Sekar for a foul on Mohun Bagan’s Amarjit Singh Kiyam. Moments later, Naorem Mahesh received a second yellow card, and thus a red card, for arguing the decision, leaving East Bengal with only nine players on the field. Despite the setback, coach Oscar Bruzon’s men displayed remarkable defensive organization to earn a hard-fought point.
A Missed Penalty and Defensive Brilliance
East Bengal began the match with an attacking mindset and created a few dangerous chances. The most notable was in the 21st minute when Dimitri Diamantakos was brought down in the penalty box by Mohun Bagan’s Bikash Singh. However, despite clear contact in the box, the referee waved away the penalty appeal, much to the frustration of East Bengal’s players. Replays showed that a penalty could have been awarded, but the referee decided otherwise.
Following the dismissal of Sekar and Mahesh, East Bengal’s chances of a comeback seemed slim. Mohun Bagan, enjoying numerical superiority, failed to capitalize on their advantage, missing several opportunities to score. Even though they dominated possession, East Bengal’s defense, led by the likes of Anwar Ali and Hijazi Maher, stood firm. Mohun Bagan’s attackers, including Alexis Gomez and Cesar Manzoki, struggled to break down the resolute defense.
East Bengal’s Defensive Heroes
Throughout the season, East Bengal’s defense had been criticized for its lack of fitness and cohesion. However, in this crucial encounter, the defenders stepped up to the plate. The decision to pair Anwar Ali with Hijazi Maher proved pivotal, as both players delivered strong performances. On the flanks, Lalchungnunga and Mohammad Raqib showed remarkable resilience. Lalchungnunga, who had previously been the subject of criticism, played with a calm and composed attitude, preventing Mohun Bagan from exploiting any space.
Despite being down to nine men, East Bengal’s commitment to not conceding a goal was evident. Their backline, along with the tireless efforts of the midfield, held strong for the entire match. The defending champions’ failure to break the deadlock in the second half highlighted their inability to capitalize on the extra player advantage.
Time-Wasting and Fatigue Issues
Playing with nine men for an extended period took a toll on East Bengal’s players. In the second half, fatigue started to set in, especially for foreign players like Madih Talal and Diamantakos. The team was often forced to slow down the game to catch their breath, and this time-wasting tactic, though necessary, could have led to trouble. However, despite being visibly tired, the team managed to hold on and secure a draw.
The referee added 10 minutes of extra time, and in those final moments, East Bengal’s defense had to stay sharp to avoid a last-minute collapse. Despite their exhaustion, the Red and Gold brigade maintained their discipline, ensuring that no goals were conceded.