East Bengal FC assistant coach Bino George said their aim is to go to the top six in the points table and qualify for the playoffs. The Red and Gold Brigade strengthened their chances of finishing among the top six teams after a 4-2 win against Kerala Blasters FC in the 20th match week of the ongoing Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Wednesday.
Fedor Cernych opened the scoring for the Yellow Tuskers but Saul Crespo equalized by scoring from the spot kick after Jeakson Singh was sent off. Crespo scored his second of the evening in the 71st minute and three minutes later Naocha Singh was sent off by the referee.
Naorem Mahesh Singh then gave a 3-1 lead to the tourists but the hosts kept themselves in the contest as Hijazi Maher scored an own goal. But Naorem Mahesh Singh scored his second to give a 4-2 win to his team.
“After half time, we made changes. We discussed with each other during the break and sent out the substitutions. So we are very happy (with the outcome). They (Kerala Blasters FC) were also one man down during the break, which helped us” George stated in the post-match press conference.
East Bengal FC is currently in seventh place with five wins in 20 matches and a total of 21 points. With only one place remaining for the playoffs, the Kolkata-based club will aim to be at their absolute best in the remaining two matches.
“We are looking forward to the next match. We want to go to the top six that is our aim. Our head coach has a plan and we will stick to the same plan,” he added.
The 21-year-old Aman CK assisted Saul Crespo’s second goal and George revealed head coach Carles Cuadrat wants to give more opportunities to the youngsters in the team.
“Coach Carles wants to put in more youngsters in the team and they are doing a fantastic job for the team. (When) they get more opportunities they will get groomed,” George stated.
East Bengal FC will next take on Bengaluru FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Sunday.Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
