Edmilson Marquis slotted in a spectacular half-volley to ensure full points for the Kolkata giants, who now have three points from two outings.

East Bengal had lost their lung-opener 0-1 to Lebanese club Safa FC in Beirut last week. After this loss, Sana’a have just a solitary point garnered from their 1-1 draw against Jordan’s Al Wihdat in their inaugural tie.

The all-important goal for the Federation Cup champions came in the 34th minute when Ibe Ikechukwu Gift’s volley deflected off Sana’a defender Ahmed Khalili to unmarked Brazilian Edmilson, who fired a power-packed right-footer that bulged the net, giving no chance to rival goalkeeper Manaudh Abdul Khaleej. The Yemenis looked enterprising in the initial minutes as they used their big frame to advantage in trying to build attacks down the right flank, but failed to create scoring chances.

East Bengal took some time to gauge their opponents before having a look at the visitors’ goal in the 12th minute. Edmilson essayed a cross from the right flank, but Syed Rahim Nabi’s header flew over.

Seizing control
The red and yellow brigade gradually seized control of the match with the Yemenis having exhausted all energy in the heat and humidity.

Playing before a sparse crowd at their familiar Yuva Bharati Krirangan, East Bengal pushed Sana’a on the defensive midway through the opening half as they carried out incisive raids deep into the visitors’ defensive line. The hosts earned three consecutive flag kicks in the 28th, 29th and 30th minutes, which exposed the brittleness of the Sana’a defence.

The first corner by Alvito D’Cunha saw the Sana’a custodian fisting the ball which, however, hit one of the defenders to drop near the goal line before going out.

Alvito’s second corner was headed in by Nabi but the woodwork saved the Yemenis after their goalkeeper could only touch the ball with his finger. Edmilson claimed that a Sana’a defender had handled the ball, but Japanese referee Tojo Minoru saw no merit in the appeal.

With their medios and forwards coordinating well, East Bengal made a flurry of swift attacks in the remaining part of the first half. The Yemen outfit, having several players of their national squad in their ranks, looked more purposeful after the breather in their quest for the equaliser.