Ivan’s late strike salvages draw for East Bengal

Super sub Ivan Bukenya’s strike a minute before the regulation time saved East Bengal the blushes as they managed to hold minnows Aizawl FC to a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the 10th I-League football tournament here on Saturday.

Following a sloppy first-half where their defence was wayward and midfield looked disoriented, East Bengal conceded a goal in the 45+1 minute when Gurwinder ended up smashing into his own net trying to clear the ball.

As it turned out the Ugandan defender Bukenya replaced Gurwinder in the 67th minute before lodging the ball in from close range to bring East Bengal on par, in what was a lacklustre start for the red and gold brigade, eyeing to win their first I-League title.

A comedy of errors brought an end to the first half as Gurwinder brought doom when Jayesh Rane found Stephane Bayi and the Ivorian had three men surrounding him but his shot was only cleared by the Punjab born defender straight into his own net. The North-eastern outfit almost doubled the lead three minutes after the changeover with a thundering header from Alfred Jaryan but the crosspiece came in their way.

Substitute Brandon Vanlalremdika further missed back to back goals in space of three minutes, first from a freekick as he tried to hit it on the volley that missed narrowly.

Rehenesh made a fine save in the 79th minute when Albert Zohmingmawia’s shot came from the right.

On the other hand, the defending champions Bengaluru FC got a perfect beginning to their season as they cruised 3-0 over Shillong Lajong FC at Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Despite the north-eastern side having a better beginning, it was Bengaluru’s Udanta Singh who scored a goal in each half and Sena Ralte added a third late on.