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Calcutta: Kingfisher East Bengal rallied to beat ONGC 2-1 in a Group C Federation Cup match at the Kanchenjunga Stadium, Siliguri, on Sunday. Edeh Chidi and Manandeep Singh scored the winner for the red and gold brigade after Katsumi Yusa gave the lead to ONGC.
In another match of the group, Sporting Clube de Goa sneaked past a resurgent Kalighat Milan Sangha 3-2.
East Bengal and Sporting Clube de Goa remained tied on top of the group table with four points each from two matches while ONGC were a point behind in the second spot.
East Bengal, who were runners-up last season, salvaged a shaky start to prevail over a 10-man ONGC.
ONGC made a rousing start to the match. They started with a positive intent and impressed with quick passing. They also used the flanks well, developing numerous attacks through the wings. It was from one such movement from which they took the lead as early as in the ninth minute through Katsumi Yusa.
The Japanese midfielder slotted home a brilliant shot, making the most of a sharp centre from right-half Sorabuddin Mollick.
East Bengal regrouped thereafter and succeeded in finding the equaliser in the injury-time of the first half. Chidi levelled the scoring from a spectacular free-kick, curling the ball past the ONGC wall.
East Bengal played with purpose after the break, putting pressure on ONGC with regular attacks. But ONGC managed to defend resolutely. However, they suffered a huge blow when Yusa picked up a second yellow card in the 78th minute.
Manandeep Singh turned out to be a super-sub, replacing Subodh Kumar in the 73rd minute, as he struck the winner in the 82nd minute.
Talking about the Kalighat-Sporting match, the latter gained an early advantage when Macroy Piexote breached the Kalighat citadel in the 12th minute. Kalighat MS fought back and restored parity the 36th minute when Christopher Czizobe scored from a powerful long ranger.
Sporting Clube restored the lead soon after when Dawson scored from the spot in the 43rd minute after he was brought down inside the Kalighat box.
Dawson got into the scoring act again within three minutes and found the back of the Kalighat net with an angular finishing. Sporting Clube reduced its attacking intent after the break allowing Kalighat to reduce the margin in the 72 nd minute, when Chirstopher accomplished a solo effort.
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