Last two matches will be our final hurdle: Al Amna

Fresh from their emphatic 7-1 rout of Chennai City FC in the I-League, East Bengal's Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Al Amna on Sunday said they are not getting carried away by the victory and the last two games will be their 'final hurdle' in the title push.

East Bengal were at their imperial best on Saturday afternoon at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan as they washed Chennai away with nonchalant ease.

Although Nigerian striker Dudu Omagbemi rolled back the years by scoring four goals, Al Amna -- deployed as a striker -- was the star of the match creating a lot of chances.

"We are not getting carried away by the victory and the manner of it. One match doesn't change anything," Al Amna told reporters here.

The Red and Golds, placed second in the points table, have 29 points from 16 games, two behind surprise league leaders Neroca FC who are on 31 but have one more match to play, against East Bengal on March 8.

Third-placed Minerva Punjab FC, who take on Aizawl in Panchkula on Monday, have three games to go with 29 points.

"The last two matches will be our final hurdle. We have to win both of them and hope for the best. I know our fate is not in our hands. But we will do what we can and that is to win the next two games," Al Amna said.

East Bengal play Shillong Lajong on March 5 followed by Neroca three days later.

The Kolkata giants haven't won the national league for the last 14 years.

"In the last game, it was not only about me or Dudu. We could not have played well had the team not supported us," the 35-year old signed off.

--IANS

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