East Bengal became the first Indian club since Dempo (in 2008) to reach the last-four stage of the AFC Cup, which is equivalent to Europe’s Europa League.
East Bengal became the first Indian club since Dempo (in 2008) to reach the last-four stage of the AFC Cup, which is equivalent to Europe’s Europa League. James Moga came off the bench to cancel out Padang’s Edward Junior Wilson first half strike to edge past the Indonesian outfit 2-1 on aggregate courtesy the red and gold brigade’s 1-0 win at home on September 17.
AIFF President Praful Patel lauded the Kolkata outfit for their achievement and wished them luck for the semis and said “I congratulate East Bengal Club for their historic triumph. I wish them luck for the semifinals.”
So does this take the Indian football in the right direction? Will it bring in a sea of change? These questions were asked much before East Bengal’s tryst with destiny started and will be asked after that too. The answers lies with the administrators who are still ruling the roost. AIFF shouldn’t be proud of what they are seeing but must act quickly. If they are to attract fans to the stadiums, all the basic necessities should be fulfilled – stadiums, infrastructure, team academies and especially promote football.
For now, everybody should enjoy the success that East Bengal Football club has brought to this nation.
