East Bengal FC lose 2-4 to FC Goa despite a resolute 2 nd half showing

Despite being the better side in the 2 nd half after conceding 3 goals in the first 45 minutes, East Bengal FC pulled 2 goals back and suffered a 2-4 defeat against FC Goa at Fatorda’s PJN Stadium on January 26, Thursday. While Iker Guarrotxena (3) and Brandon Fernandes scored for the home side, VP Suhair and Sarthak Golui reduced the deficit for the Red & Golds.

EBFC Head Coach Stephen Constantine made 3 changes to the playing XI as Ivan Gonzalez, Sumeet Passi and Jerry Lalrinzuala replaced Alex Lima,, Sarthal Golui and Md Rakip respectively.

The Gaurs found 3 goals in the first half that came in the space of 12 minutes. Despite pressing hard in the opening exchanges, the visitors couldn’t find a goal. In the 33 rd minute, Jerry Lalrinzuala whipped in a cross to Sumeet Passi in the middle, but the 27-year-old’s header went just wide of the post.

The second half witnessed a rejuvenated EBFC as they created multiple chances. FCG found their fourth and final goal of the evening in the 52 nd minute via Brandon Fernandes’ free-kick.

V.P. Suhair netted his 2 nd goal of the ongoing Hero ISL in the 58 th minute with a header. After coming on as a substitute in the 62 nd minute, Sarthak Golui reduced the deficit with yet another header in the 66 th minute.

The Red & Gold brigade will next take on Kerala Blasters FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on February 3.