Thaindian News

Kolkata, Jan 14 (IANS) Chirag missed a golden chance to upset table toppers East Bengal by fumbling on a penalty as the two sides finished goalless in an I-League game here Friday.Chirag had the better share of the exchanges and carried out more attacks into the opponent’s half, especially in the second session, but a goal proved elusive at the Salt Lake stadium.

Three time winners East Bengal, on the other hand, got only a couple of chances, and looked rudderless after the lemon break.

In the 34th minute, Mehtab Hussain brought down Joshimar D’Silva in the East Bengal penalty box and referee Shaji Kurian had no hesitation in awarding the spot kick. But Joshimar’s shot was ill-directed.

Crossing over, Chirag seized the initiative and increased the tempo of their attacks as time wore on. In the 76th minute, Gouranga Biswas essayed a square pass form the left but Branco Cardoso failed to connect.

One minute from the final whistle, Mohammad Rafique passed on to Joshimar whose left footer ballooned over.

At the other end, East Bengal came close to scoring in the 83rd minute, but Robin Singh’s header off a Naoba Singh cross was blocked by Chriag goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal.

After nine games, East Bengal lead the table with 23 points, nine more than Chirag.