The Hindu : Sport / Football : CFC holds East Bengal

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Friday, Aug 27, 2004

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Sport - Football

CFC holds East Bengal

KOLKATA, AUG. 26. Defending champion East Bengal failed to consolidate its lead in the Calcutta Football League's Super Division, as it was held to a 1-1 draw by Calcutta Football Club (CFC) in a 12th round encounter here on Thursday.

Missing a host of its regulars, who are doing duty with the National team in Vietnam, East Bengal struggled against CFC, which put up a spirited challenge and exploited the weakness of its fancied opponent.

CFC's Nigerian recruit Nwake Martin Harrison slotted home to give the visitor a surprise lead. Stung by the reverse, East Bengal made a desperate bid and found the equaliser when Brazilian Douglas Da Silva nodded home a cross from Malswamtulunga following a free kick by Tushar Rakshit in the 58th minute.

The draw helped East Bengal tally 28 points from 12 matches and lead arch-rival Mohun Bagan by a point in the standings.

In another match of the same division, former champion Mohammedan Sporting beat Officer's Choice Ever Ready 3-1. Raman Vijayan put Mohammedan Sporting ahead in the 35th minute and Nigerian Henry Chukwukei struck twice in the 48th and 85th minutes of the second session to make it 3-0 for the winner before Shankho Roy Chowdhury (81st) reduced the margin for Ever Ready. Sporting now has 19 points from 12 outings. — Our Sports Reporter

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