AFC Cup: East Bengal start with a win
Last time East Bengal won an AFC Cup match was way back in April 2008 when they beat Al Wheedat (Jordan) at Amman 2-0.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: February 28, 2013 12:23 AM IST
East Bengal opened their campaign in the AFC Cup with a disciplined performance when they defeated Selangor FA (Malaysia)1-0 in the Group H of the competition at Salt Lake Stadium Kolkata on Wednesday. In a match dominated by the home team, East Bengal could have been 4-0 up at the breather, but for missed chances. The all-important goal was scored by Lalrindika Ralte off a Chidi Edeh pass in the 43rd minute.
Ralte, along with skipper Sanju Pradhan, had an outstanding match. Penn Orji, Chidi Edeh and Andrew Borisic missed a number of easy chances in the opening session itself.
Selangor FA, who were deprived of the services of their star defender Ramez Dayoub following a ban by his home country Lebanese Football Association, came back on even keel in the second half but could not get back into level terms.
This win in AFC Cup was achieved by East Bengal after a lapse of over four years and 21 matches. Last time East Bengal won an AFC Cup match was way back in April 2008 when they beat Al Wheedat (Jordan) at Amman 2-0.