I-League Media Team

KOLKATA: East Bengal rode goals from Dudu Omagbemi, Ranti Martins and Shylo Tluanga to thump Dempo 3-1 in a Hero I-League match on Saturday evening. Tolgay Ozbey scored the solitary goal for the away side.

Eelco Schattorie, the coach of the Red and Golds made just one change to the side as Shylo Tluanga made his way back in the team with marquee player Leo Bertos making way.

Trevor Morgan, on the other hand, included Nirmal Chettri in place of Jewel Raja in the line-up as Tolgay Ozbey started from the bench yet again.

East Bengal dominated the proceedings from the scratch though both the teams failed to create any clear-cut chances in the opening 20 minutes. Cavin Lobo tried his luck from distance in the 11th minute, the ball missed the near post by some distance.

The Red and Golds finally claimed the lead in the 22th minute, when Ranti and Dudu combined well to make a routine ball count. Ranti had dropped deep and sent a long ball to the right for his compatriot. Dudu timed his run perfectly and got the ball ahead of Debabrata Roy, and after seeing the opponent custodian coming off his line, he placed the ball above his head into the net to give his side the lead.

Only three minutes after this, Ranti Martins joined the party. An innocent cross from Mama was met inside the box by a thumping header from the Nigerian and it went on to hit the post past the stretched left hand of Kattimani. The ball however, hit the goal-keeper’s head while coming out and changed its trajectory to go inside the target, much to the agony of the travellers.

Both the teams enjoyed a few half-chances after that, but the defenses stood tall to thwart the dangers.

Morgan finally decided to throw Tolgay in action right after the break as the Aussie striker and Gabriel Fernandes were subbed in.

East Bengal had their third goal of the night in the 64th minute, when Tluanga’s long ranger hit the top corner. Mehtab shot was blocked by Angus and Mama took an outfooted shot in the rebound, whichgave Kattimani no chance to stop.

Sushil Singh had a half-chance but failed to keep his shot on target, while Tolgay’s penalty appeal was denied by the referee.

Dempo finally reduced the deficit in the 84th minute, when Gurwinder’s Singh alleged push on Sushil Singh earned them a penalty. Tolgay took the spot-kick and scored his fourth goal of the campaign.

The hosts held on to the lead and bagged all important three points from the tie.