April 22, 2004
AFC Cup Group E
|
Geylang United |
2 |
1 |
Negri Sembilan (Malaysia) |
|
Chang Hui 49' Aleksandar Duric 70' |
Efendi Malek 27' |
|
East Bengal (India) |
3 |
0 |
Island FC (Maldives) |
|
Douglas de Silva 9' Cristiano Junior 35' Mike Okoro 84' |
The Eagles maintained their challenge for top position in Group E with a 2-1 win over Negri Sembilan at the Bedok Stadium.
It was the Malaysian side that drew first blood in the encounter after 27 minutes as a quick break by the visitors ended with Efendi Malek firing past Geylang goalkeeper Shahril Jantan to put Negri Sembilan ahead.
However, the Eagles struck back in the second half & equalised in the 49 minutes through Chinese striker Chang Hui. Later the Eagles skipper Aleksander Duric, scorer of the lone goal when the two sides met earlier this month in Kuala Lumpur, then caused further pain for the Malaysia FA champion as he scored the winner with a fine solo effort in the 70 minute.
Meanwhile Indian NFL champions East Bengal trounced Island FC of Maldives 3-0 to maintain their perfect record in the group
East Bengal had little trouble brushing aside Island FC in a one-sided encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkota. Brazilian Douglas de Silva put the Indian side ahead, curling home a superb free-kick after 9 minutes & his compatriot Cristiano Junior added East Bengal second in the 35 minute after being brilliantly set up S. Malsawmtluanga.
Nigerian striker Mike Okoro headed home a Malsawmtluanga corner kick in the second half with 6 minutes remaining to seal East Bengal victory
East Bengal maintain a 3 point lead over Geylang United & the result of the next match when both of them will clash at East Bengal Salt Lake Stadium will be crucial.
Next round of Group E matches on May 6, 2004