In the best chance of an otherwise listless match, Mohun Bagan got a free kick in the 32nd minute just outside East Bengal box and Odafa Okolie's rightfooter beat Abhijit Mondal but only to hit the far post.

Minutes after the changeover, East Bengal defender Uga Okpara handled the ball inside the box from a Tolgay Ozbey shot but the referee turned down a penalty kick appeal much to the dismay of Mohun Bagan players. The much-hyped Odafa-Tolgay combination failed to live up to the expectations as there was little movement from the midfield. East Bengal, on the other hand, put up an uninspiring show as their was little intent from their attackers as well as midfielders. Orji Penn was lacklustre in the midfield, while Edeh Chidi lacked the sting up front with coach giving rest to Robin Singh. In a 28th minute move from Saumik Dey's cross from the left, Penn took the shot but Shilton Paul cleared it. The Mohun Bagan goalkeeper was adjudged man of the match in the goalless affair. In the 34th minute, Baljit Singh's flying header off a Chidi pass missed an open net while in the 40th East Bengal missed yet another spectacular chance with Shilton not in position. There was little action in the second-half as the play was confined to midfield. Mohun Bagan had two injury worries in Syed Rahim Nabi and Odafa. Nabi had to be stretchered out in the 80th minute. Coach Karim Bencherifa, however, said there was nothing to worry about both the players.