Air India fly past listless East Bengal

Air India blanked East Bengal 2-0 in their 17th round I-League match here on Sunday. Air India, under new coach Yusuf Ansari, impressed with their defence and counter-attacks. But East Bengal were hounded by injury and fatigue.

Air India blanked East Bengal 2-0 in their 17th round I-League match here on Sunday. Air India, under new coach Yusuf Ansari, impressed with their defence and counter-attacks. But East Bengal were hounded by injury and fatigue.

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Air India took the lead in the 32nd minute when Kailash Patil latched on to a long through from the centre and outpacing defender Nirmal Chhetri, coolly placed the ball past custodian Abhra Mondal. Patil set up the second in the 77th minute when he sent a long through to striker N.D. Opara who lashed home from an acute angle.

Chirag United rode on first half goals from Josimar Martins and Ashim Biswas to edge past Salgaocar 2-1 in the day’s other match at the Nehru Stadium.