Kolkata: A sloppy East Bengal failed to get past Mohun Bagan who bounced back in style with a brilliant Odafa Okolie strike to settle for a 1-1 draw in their return leg I-League fixture at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Saturday.
In a must win match to be in the title race, East Bengal went ahead in a dubious fashion when Robin Singh scored from an apparent off-side position in the 32nd minute but referee Santosh Kumar of Kerala awarded the goal to the red-and-gold camp.
Mohun Bagan bounced back in spectacular fashion right after the changeover with a powerful right footer by Nigerian stalwart Odafa Okolie.
Having restored parity, Mohun Bagan received two big jolts when their two foreigners Jose Barreto and Hudson Lima had to be substituted after sustaining injuries.
Lima's injury after a collision with Orji Penn in the 80th minute in fact reduced Mohun Bagan to 10 men but East Bengal failed to take the advantage as their midfield and forward line-up lacked cohesion.
The draw in the season's last derby meant Mohun Bagan, who had won 1-0 in the first leg and 2-0 in the local league, maintained their clean record.
In standings, East Bengal (35) remained on second position while one point behind Mohun Bagan occupied the third position.
Starting with a two-pronged attack in Togay Ozbey and Robin Singh, East Bengal had their share of chances in the first 45 minutes but the duo seemed lacking in coordination, failing to capitalise on their attack.
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