East Bengal edge out plucky Sikkim
Kolkata’s East Bengal rode on a Lalrindika Ralte strike late in the second-half to pip a spirited United Sikkim FC 1-0 notching up their maiden win in this edition of I-League.
After a goallesss first-half, East Bengal made amends in the second-half as Ralte scored the winner through a free-kick in the 82nd minute.
Ralte’s shot from the left side of the penalty box deflected off Budhiram Tudu’s body to enter the net. East Bengal now have three points from two matches, same as the local outfit who had won their first round match against Salgaocar.
In Kolkata, Pailan Arrows defeated Air India 2-1 to register their second victory at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Holicharan Narzary put Arrows ahead in the 42nd minute lead before the Airmen equa-lised through their Nigerian recruit Henry Ezeh (66th). Two minutes later, Arrows scored the winner through Milan Singh who converted a spot-kick after Alwyn George was brought down inside the box.
Churchill rout ONGC
Akram Moghrabi scored a hat-trick as Churchill Brothers hammered ONGC 5-0 to score their first win in Fatorda.
Churchill scored through Moghrabi (17th, 30th and 45+), Roberto Silva (30th) and Bilal Najjarine (43th).
Meanwhile, Pune FC overcame Mumbai FC 3-2 at the Balewadi Sports Complex. Japanese midfielder Daisuke Nishiguchi (7th, 51st), and Jeje (75th) found the target for Pune side while Evaws Quao (17th) and ND Opara (26th) netted for Mumbai.
