Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kolkata: Chidi Edeh scored a hat-trick as India’s East Bengal romped into the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup with a 5-1 win over Myanmar’s Yangon United on Wednesday.
Nigerian midfielder Penn Orji and East Bengal captain Hossain Mehtab were also on target for the unbeaten Group H winners as East Bengal maintained their 100% home record in the competition.
Brazilian striker Cezar (Cézar Augusto Hermenegildo) claimed a late consolation for Group F runners-up Yangon as East Bengal became the first Indian side to reach the last eight of the AFC Cup since Dempo SC advanced to the semi-finals in 2008 after posting a fifth win in seven games.
“Full credit should go to the boys for the victory,” said East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan.
“My two strikers Chidi Edeh and Andrew Barisic paired up well.
“We should now strive to do better in the quarter-finals.”
Nigerian midfielder Orji opened the scoring for unbeaten Group H winners East Bengal after just two minutes at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium following good work from Edeh.
And Edeh added a second midway through the first half with Australian striker Andrew Barisic this time the provider for East Bengal.
East Bengal captain Mehtab extended the advantage three minutes after half-time with the assist again coming from Edeh, who added a fourth with 18 minutes remaining.
And Edeh sealed his hat-trick with his sixth goal of the campaign five minutes later.
Yangon had only finished second in Group F behind Maldivian side New Radiant on goal difference after posting five wins, but only had a 79th minute consolation from Brazilian striker Cezar to show for their efforts.
“We were missing the services of five of our defenders who were either suspended or injured. This had a bearing on the result as their replacements were inexperienced and were playing for the first time this season,” said Yangon coach Ivan Kolev.
“We were however beaten by a good side who had foreigners of exceptional quality.”