Gamechanger: Nandha Kumar Scores for EBFC in opposition to MBSG within the 132nd version of Durand Cup. | Photo Credit: DEBASISH BHADURI

Nandhakumar Sekar produced a spectacular end to assist Emami East Bengal finish its dropping streak in opposition to its conventional rival Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Chennai-born winger’s contribution noticed East Bengal downing the Indian Super League champion Mohun Bagan by a solitary objective within the group-A league match of the Durand Cup, on the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday and saved its probabilities alive within the match.

Playing its second match of the season East Bengal tallied 4 factors from two outings and now wants a win in opposition to I-League winner Punjab FC within the last group league fixture to overhaul the present chief Mohun Bagan (six factors from three matches) and transfer to the quarterfinals.

Hoping to finish a dropping streak of a document eight matches in opposition to Mohun Bagan (Since January 2020), East Bengal got here alive with a tremendous efficiency below its new Spanish coach Carles Cuadrat. East Bengal set the tone of the motion with a greater assault plan in comparison with Mohun Bagan which gave the impression to be within the experiment mode.

Despite fielding a newly strung mixture, East Bengal confirmed a greater plan execution and saved the star-studded Mohun Bagan on a good leash. East Bengal had a few probabilities within the opening half and did effectively to maintain the momentum after the break. Nandhakumar confirmed his calibre as a high quality ahead as he collected a move from Saul Crespo, received the higher of his challenger in Mohun Bagan midfielder Anirudh Thapa and beat the opposition goalkeeper Vishal Kaith with a curling left-footer that discovered the aspect of the online.

The outcomes:

Group A: Mohun Bagan SG 0 misplaced to Emami East Bengal 1 (Nandhakumar 60); Group D: North East United FC 2 (Manvir Singh 24, Sandesh Jhingan 52-og) drew with FC Goa 2 (Rowllin Borges 45+4, NoahSadaoui 80-pen).