East Bengal suffer CFL title jolt, Mohammedan SC stay in mix

KOLKTA: Last year, East Bengal FC sealed the CFL Premier Division title by beating United SC 2-1. This term, the red-and-gold brigade's defence of the crown suffered a jolt following their 0-0 draw with the same opponents in their Super Six match on Friday.In the day's other match, Mohammedan SC defeated Bhawanipore SC 2-0 to stay in the title mix.Mohun Bagan SG are currently leading the title race thanks to their 5-1 win over Coal India SPA on Thursday.With group-stage points not carried over to the championship round and each team scheduled to play only three matches, failing to cross United SC hurdle could be a blow to East Bengal's ambitions.Yet, East Bengal went into their Super Six opener following their headline-grabbing 1-1 draw with Mohun Bagan, who played with a host of senior-team players, in the final group-stage fixture. However, Archishman Biswas's team at the East Bengal ground struggled to breach the defence of a dogged United SC, managed by former midfielder Lalkamal Bhowmick. East Bengal also missed services of several key players like Chaku Mandi (released for playing in the office league), Bijay Murmu (suspended) and Monotosh Majhi (injured).At Naihati, Fardin Ali Molla (36) and Israfil Dewan (79) were on target as Mohammedan SC subdued Bhawanipore with a clinical performance.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.