East Bengal 1 (James Moga—56^th)

d/w

Rangdajied United 1 (Kim Sing Yong – 20^th)

By Debayan Mukherjee,
AIFF Media Team,

MANJERI: Defending Champions East Bengal were left to rue their first half penalty miss as they failed to get the better of Rangadajied United in a 1-1 stalemate at the MDSC Sorts Compelx in Manjeri on Wednesday (January 15, 2013).   

While DPR Korea's Kim Son Yong gave Rangadajied the lead in the 20^th minute, East Bengal’s James Moga equalized in the 56^th minute. Chidi Edeh muffed from the spot. Rangdajied United could have taken the lead in the 81st minute had Song's header not come off the crosspiece.

Rangdajied United had their noses in front by the 20^th minute courtesy South Korean Kim Song Yong’s goal.

Edmar Figueira sent Kim Song Yong in the clear with the latter applying the deft finishing touch to stab home in the 20^th minute.

The Santosh Kashyap coached outfit were the better side in the first half, playing at a frenetic pace and attacking down the flanks. East Bengal saw the ball more but could not breach the Shillong side's defense.

The defending champion’s best chance came in the 43^rd minute when they were awarded a penalty after James Moga was brought down by Tomba Singh inside the 18-yard box. But much to their disappointment, Chidi Edeh skied his spot kick.

The Armando Colaco managed outfit had a Ryuji Sueoka header disallowed too as referee Srikrishna halted play for a foul on goalkeeper Surjaya.

East Bengal equalized post the break with James Moga finding the back of the net with a sweetly timed left-footer off a goalmouth melee.

Meanwhile substitute Manandeep Singh had to be stretchered off one minute after coming off the bench after he picked up a knock near the byline. It was later learnt that the knock Manandeep suffered was minor.