### First Half: A Cagey Affair

The match began with both teams displaying a cautious approach, mindful of the high stakes. east Bengal, under the guidance of their experienced coach, looked to assert control early, but Altyn Asyr's disciplined defense made it difficult to penetrate. The first half was characterized by intense midfield battles, with neither side able to create clear-cut chances.

East Bengal's star striker, Cleiton Silva, had the best opportunity of the half in the 27th minute when he latched onto a through ball from Mahesh Singh. However, his effort was expertly saved by Altyn Asyr's goalkeeper, Rasul Charyyev. The visitors also had a few moments of promise, with their captain, Vahyt Orazsahedov, testing east Bengal’s custodian Prabhsukhan Singh Gill with a long-range effort, which was comfortably dealt with.

### Second Half: east Bengal Takes Control

The second half saw a more aggressive east Bengal side, determined to break the deadlock. The home team began to exploit the wings more effectively, with winger Nandhakumar Sekar posing constant threats down the right flank. The breakthrough finally came in the 58th minute when Silva, once again at the heart of the action, delivered a pinpoint cross that found substitute forward Suhair Vadakkepeedika, who made no mistake in heading the ball past Charyyev to give east Bengal the lead.

The goal ignited the kolkata crowd, and east Bengal seemed to grow in confidence. Altyn Asyr, sensing the urgency, pushed forward in search of an equalizer but left gaps at the back. east Bengal capitalized on this in the 76th minute when Nandhakumar Sekar was brought down just outside the box, resulting in a free-kick. Silva stepped up and curled a magnificent shot into the top corner, doubling the home side's advantage.

### Late Drama: Altyn Asyr's Fightback

Despite being two goals down, Altyn Asyr refused to capitulate. The visitors mounted a spirited fightback and were rewarded in the 85th minute when Orazsahedov found the back of the net with a powerful header from a corner, reducing the deficit and setting up a tense finale.

The final minutes saw Altyn Asyr throw everything at east Bengal in search of an equalizer, but the home team's defense, marshaled by Ivan Gonzalez, held firm. Prabhsukhan Singh Gill made a crucial save in stoppage time to deny Altyn Asyr an equalizer, ensuring east Bengal's passage to the next round.

### Conclusion: A Step Closer to the Group Stage

The 2-1 victory sees east Bengal move one step closer to securing a spot in the AFC Champions League Two group stage. The win is a testament to their determination and tactical acumen, with key performances from Silva, Nandhakumar, and Gill playing a significant role. As the kolkata side celebrates this crucial victory, they will now turn their attention to the next challenge, knowing that the journey to continental glory has only just begun.
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Sindujaa D N

14/08/2024 09:15 PM