Edmilson came back to haunt his former club East Bengal in a big way as rookie Southern Samity came from behind to stun the tournament-favourites 2-1 in their IFA Shield opener at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. Coach Trevor Morgan predictably fielded a new-look side but when East Bengal took the lead inside the second minute of the match, thanks to Ravinder Singh's stunning piledriver, it seemed to be another stroll in the park for the red and golds. But the Brazilian Edmilson, who was rejected by East Bengal two years ago, had other ideas on his mind. He started the recovery for his side with a beautifully executed free-kick two minutes from the break and then settled the issue deep into final injury times with another well-directed shot.
Edmilson's heroics also provided a welcome red carpet for compatriot and another former member of East Bengal - Carlos Perreira. The veteran Brazilian could not have asked for a better beginning in his new life in the city - as the man in Southern Samity hot seat. Perreira had been in charge of the red and golds in 2006-2007 before switching allegiance to Mohun Bagan the following season. He eventually left the city to take up the Churchill Brothers assignment, only to be sacked mid-season, forcing him to return to Brazil and take a break. East Bengal's heart-break, however, was a product of their own making. Morgan reshuffled his side with a blend of youth and experience, giving the likes of Saikat Saha Roy, Rajib Ghosh and Sunil Kumar a rare start in the backline. With Mehrajuddin Wadoo employed in the hole, Morgan hoped for some extra cover for his rookie defence line. In a bid to offset it, Morgan also provided a more pronounced edge to his attacking line, throwing in experienced Tolgay Ozbey, Robin Singh and Baljit Sahni together right from the beginning. And when Ravinder put the side ahead within two minutes with a 35-yard stunning drive, things looked falling in place for them. They were cruising and had East Bengal's famed forward line not fluffed their lines, they could have extended the lead in the first half itself. Referee M Arokiaraj also cancelled a Robin goal for off-side. Just as East Bengal thought another goal was there for taking, Southern Samity struck back. Edmilson was fouled by Sushanth Matthew on the edge of the box and the Brazilian's resultant free-kick gave goalkeeper Abhra Mondal no chance. Morgan introduced both R Vashum and Sanju Pradhan in the second half to inject more pace and potency in their attack but Southern Samity - who have earned the right to play in the second division I-League - held firm. It was then left to Edmilson to make their effort a memorable one as he beat Abhra the second time with a powerful strike in the 92nd minute.
Edmilson's heroics also provided a welcome red carpet for compatriot and another former member of East Bengal - Carlos Perreira. The veteran Brazilian could not have asked for a better beginning in his new life in the city - as the man in Southern Samity hot seat. Perreira had been in charge of the red and golds in 2006-2007 before switching allegiance to Mohun Bagan the following season. He eventually left the city to take up the Churchill Brothers assignment, only to be sacked mid-season, forcing him to return to Brazil and take a break. East Bengal's heart-break, however, was a product of their own making. Morgan reshuffled his side with a blend of youth and experience, giving the likes of Saikat Saha Roy, Rajib Ghosh and Sunil Kumar a rare start in the backline. With Mehrajuddin Wadoo employed in the hole, Morgan hoped for some extra cover for his rookie defence line. In a bid to offset it, Morgan also provided a more pronounced edge to his attacking line, throwing in experienced Tolgay Ozbey, Robin Singh and Baljit Sahni together right from the beginning. And when Ravinder put the side ahead within two minutes with a 35-yard stunning drive, things looked falling in place for them. They were cruising and had East Bengal's famed forward line not fluffed their lines, they could have extended the lead in the first half itself. Referee M Arokiaraj also cancelled a Robin goal for off-side. Just as East Bengal thought another goal was there for taking, Southern Samity struck back. Edmilson was fouled by Sushanth Matthew on the edge of the box and the Brazilian's resultant free-kick gave goalkeeper Abhra Mondal no chance. Morgan introduced both R Vashum and Sanju Pradhan in the second half to inject more pace and potency in their attack but Southern Samity - who have earned the right to play in the second division I-League - held firm. It was then left to Edmilson to make their effort a memorable one as he beat Abhra the second time with a powerful strike in the 92nd minute.
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