Riding on the goals by Wedson Anselme (13’) and Willis Plaza (80’), East Bengal registered their first win of the I-League 2017 season by beating DSK Shivajians 2-1 on Saturday. Gouramangi Moiranghthem (64’) was the sole name on the scoresheet the Pune side. The Shivajians made three changes handing Nirmal Chettri, Halicharan Narzary and Gouramangi Singh making their first start of the season. Also, Subrata Pal was a miss in the staring XI while East Bengal included the likes of Willis Plaza, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Lalrindika Ralte, and Ivan Bukenya all starting for the Red and Golds. Robin Singh, their newest signing was amongst the substitutes. Soon in the 13th minute, Anselme was brought down by the cautioned Poirei. The penalty was buried by the Haitian, a cool slot down the middle of the goal to hand the visitors the advantage. While East Bengal were dominating, the equaliser came against the run of play.
Spaniard Juan Quero Barreso’s indirect free-kick landed perfectly for Korean Kim Song Young’s headed effort, which was parried away by Rehenesh, but Gourmangi slotted home from the rebound. A change in shape for the away team resulted in a well-crafted goal on the break through Willis Plaza. The Trinidad and Tobago international had a couple of good chances in the first-half but failed to capitalise. This time, Plaza made no error, putting his side 2-1 up in the 80th minute. In the other game, Late goals from substitutes Roby Norales and CK Vineeth helped Bengaluru FC defeat Chennai City FC 2-0 in the I-League here on Saturday.
After a drab 0-0 scoreline at half time, Bengaluru FC looking for an opening, brought in debutant Roby Norales for another debutant Mandar Rao Dessai and CK Vineeth for Daniel. The much awaited goal finally came in the 77th minute. The Honduran striker, Roby Norales, took advantage of a deflected ball and smashed it into the back of the net. Bengaluru FC doubled the lead in three minutes from a dexterous cross by Udanta from the right flank, which Vineeth charging inside penalty box banged home.