East Bengal defender Ivan Bukenya celebrating after his goal against Aizwal FC. Image Source: XtraTime[/caption]Barasat: Kingfisher East Bengal had a shaky start in the opening game of the Hero I-League 2017 as the home side saved their faces through a brilliant late equalizing goal in the 89th minute by Ugandan defender Ivan Bukenye after conceding a goal in the added time of the first half as a nervous Gurwinder Singh scored an own goal in the process of clearing a goal bound move from Aizwal FC forward Kamo in front of a jam-packed crowd at Barasat Stadium.
The home team looked scratchy right from the start as the Red & Gold brigade even failed to take a shot at goal in the first quarter. The first effort came from Haitian midfielder Wedson Anselme, when his long range shot went straight to Aizwal custodian Albino Gomes.
The best opportunity came when U22 youngster Nikhil Poojary provided a gorgeous ball to Wedson but the star foreigner missed an open sitter to let his team down. Rahul Bheke had a poor first half for East Bengal. His crosses were blunt and a rough tackle in the 34th minute on Kima earned him the yellow card.
A desperate Trevor Morgan brought in the Trinidad & Tobago international Willis Plaza and he showed glimpses of his quality immediately. Though the highlanders got a great chance in the 47th minute when Alfred's shot came off the cross bar.
Rowllin Borges got a great chance in the 51st minute but his shot was beautifully gathered by Albino. But Aizwal continued with their brisk counter attacks, led by the experienced Alfred and young Albert. In the 54th minute Rafique came close to equalizing through a free kick taken by Mehtab, but his header went just wide.
Willis Plaza showed his quality in the 57th minute. But after some silky dribbling skills followed by a solo run, he miscued his shot completely. In the 64th minute, Morgan brought in Abinas Ruidas in place of Nikhil Poojary. Ugandan defender Ivan Bukenye came on in the 67th minute to prevent the incessant attacks of the enthusiastic Aizwal FC side.
In the 69th minute Wedson missed another golden opportunity from a free kick, taken from the edge of the box. Aizwal got another fine chance in the 77th minute when Albert's shot got a deflection from Bukenye's legs and Rehnesh made a despairing save to avoid the danger.
Willis Plaza almost scored the equalizing goal in the 81st minute when his breathtaking individual effort was ineffably saved by Albino Gomes. East Bengal came close to get a penalty in the 83rd minute when Laruathara's high foot on Mehtab was denied by the referee Om Prakash Thakur.
Ugandan defender arrived to be the saviour for the Red & Gold side in the 89th minute when his outstanding header from a Mehtab Hossain corner earned the equalizing goal.
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