East Bengal recovered from an early setback to register a 3-1 win over Calcutta Customs in their IFA Shield match in Kolkata on Thursday, with Rohit Kumar, Rohit Danu and Akash Hembram finding the net for the Red-and-Gold Brigade.
Playing on a muddy East Bengal ground, the home side fell behind in the 12th minute when Riki Gharami struck for Customs. East Bengal, however, gradually took control and found an equaliser before half-time.
Boris Singh played a key role in the comeback. His delivery was headed home by Rohit Kumar from a set-piece routine, ensuring the teams went into the break level.
East Bengal had fielded a largely reserve side for the contest. With an AFC Champions League Two fixture coming up next month and several first-team players away on national duty, the club opted to give opportunities to other members of the squad.
The decision still left East Bengal with players carrying Indian Super League experience, and that proved useful as the match progressed.
Boris, who joined the Kolkata club from FC Goa this summer, was involved again soon after the restart. Seven minutes into the second half, he delivered a cross from the left for Rohit Danu, who finished to put East Bengal 2-1 ahead.
Danu, a former Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC forward, completed the turnaround after East Bengal had gone behind early in the contest.
Mohamed Bilal was introduced close to the hour mark as East Bengal looked to add more attacking threat. The substitute made his presence count late in the game, setting up Akash Hembram for the third goal with eight minutes remaining.
Hembram’s strike effectively ended Customs’ hopes of getting back into the match and ensured East Bengal collected full points with a 3-1 victory.
East Bengal had originally been scheduled to begin their IFA Shield campaign against Mohammedan Sporting on September 22, but that fixture was cancelled following the Black Panthers’ withdrawal from the tournament.
Calcutta Customs will now turn their attention to their next match against Punjab FC on September 27. East Bengal, meanwhile, will host Punjab three days later at their home ground as they look to build on their winning start.
