Mahindras script history

The strategy backfired in the first half as East Bengal pushed them back and capitalised on a defensive error in the 22nd minute to grab the lead. East Bengal’s star striker here, Bijen Singh, collected the ball from Sully Musah in the 35-yard zone and dodged past the defence to reach shooting range. His strong right-footer from top of the box hit Mahindras goalkeeper Mark Mascarenhas in the stomach who appeared to collect it safely. But just as the playersstarted moving back, the goalkeeper stumbled, lost his balance and the ball slipped from his hands and rolled inside. Mascarenhasne collapsed in pain and disappointment and had to be substituted by Sunder Rajan.

Meanwhile, East Bengal’s Ghanian trio of Musah, Jackson Agaypong and Emmanuel Opoku were working up some good moves with Renedy Singh, Dipendu Biswas and Bijen Singh. In fact, at that point, it looked as if East Bengal were cruising towards their 15th title win.

But, Hakim’s Army’ just refused to give up and started venturing out. With East Bengal trying to consolidate and Mahindras attempting to equalise, the match became action-packed and both goalkeepers were regularly put to test.In the 60th minute, Hussain took a free-kick for Mahindras which rebounded into play after hitting East Bengal goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey. Mohammed Shakeel rushed into the box to attempt another shot when he was pulled down by East Bengal medio Basudeb Mondal. But the incident did not go unnoticed by referee TAHakeem, and, the resultant penalty was duly capped by a regulation Shamsi Raza effort.

Just as it appeared the match will enter extra-time, Manjit Singh did the trick for Mahindra. In the 88th minute, the bandana-sporting striker broke free, collected a pass from Adeshina and left the East Bengal goalkeeper Chaubey stunned with a neat shot for the winner.