CFL: East Bengal remain firm atop, beat Kalighat 4-3

For the second time in the ongoing Calcutta Football League (CFL) premier division, defending champions East Bengal came back from a two-goal deficit to edge past Kalighat MS 4-3 at the Barasat Stadium here on Wednesday.

Nigerian striker Ranty Martins, Rahul Bheke, South Korean midfielder Do Dong-hyung and Abhinas Ruidas found the back of the net for East Bengal, while for Kalighat, Christopher Chizoba scored a brace and Kallol got on the scoresheet with an absolute screamer.

With the win, East Bengal consolidated their position at the top of the league table and it must have also boosted their confidence ahead of Sunday's derby against traditional rivals Mohun Bagan at the Salt Lake Stadium. Kalighat remained on the bottom half of the table.

Some days ago against Army XI, East Bengal had bounced back to win the contest 3-2 after being 0-2 down at one stage.

In Tuesday's game, it was deja vu as Chizoba scored in the first few minutes and then doubled the lead for his side in the 26th minute.

At the half-time, Kalighat led 2-0. However, the three-time I-League champions East Bengal were quick to turn the tables after the breather as Martins and Bheke scored in quick succession with Dong playing out of the skin.

He was rewarded for his workload as he found the third for the red and gold brigade placing a neat left-footer.

It was Kallol from about 30 yards out who equalised for Kalighat with a dipping piledriver. But the joys were shortlived as Ruidas at the other end found the winner for East Bengal, smashing the ball in with nine minutes of regulation time left.