East Bengal\u2019s formidable squad was underwhelmed in their opening encounter, and perhaps keen to make amends kicked things off in a flurry, creating and spurning a host of early chances. The first goal came as early as the fourth minute, when Soumya Guguloth volleyed a loose ball inside the box, only for a Sribhumi defender to block it away from goal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Waves of East Bengal attacks produced similar results, their inability to finish also due in part to some brave Sribhumi defending. In the 14th minute, East Bengal had perhaps the clearest chance at goal anyone will get this season. A long ball played out from midfield fell into Resty Nanziri\u2019s brilliant run towards goal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A panicked and over-eager Monalisha Devi rushed out of goal, outside the box, in an attempt to intercept, only to be beaten by Nanziri. The Ugandan rounded the goalkeeper, drove into the box, and with an empty target awaiting, shot wide.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Her luck would not turn. Four minutes later, Guguloth\u2019s work on the right wing saw her cut a teasing low cross towards the centre of the six-yard area just inches away from Nanziri\u2019s foot. Any connection would have given the hosts the lead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Devi made amends for her earlier rush of blood by making a smart save from Elshaddai Acheampong, after the forward had picked up a headed through ball to shoot towards goal. Halftime beckoned, and Sribhumi went off for the break, relieved. The trend continued in the second half, East Bengal\u2019s wingers, in particular, constantly dropping in dangerous crosses, unfortunately often with no one to finish them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sribhumi slowly grew into the game in the final twenty minutes and even created some chances of their own. In the 72nd minute, they had a great chance to go in front, when Rimpa Haldar was played through on goal. The forward cut into the box and found the space to fire a shot. Unfortunately, it did not carry enough power to trouble Panthoi Chanu.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
East Bengal made the visitors pay for that missed chance four minutes later \u2014 and earned due reward for their own efforts. From a corner, the ball bounced around on the left edge of the box, and Nanziri\u2019s cross blocked into the path of Sulanjana Raul.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sribhumi slowly grew into the game in the final twenty minutes and even created some chances of their own. In the 72nd minute, they had a great chance to go in front, when Rimpa Haldar was played through on goal. The forward cut into the box and found the space to fire a shot. Unfortunately, it did not carry enough power to trouble Panthoi Chanu.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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