East Bengal’s dream run in the Shekh Kamal international football championship in Bangladesh finally ended on Friday as the team lost to Chattagram Abahoni 1-3 in the final.
Ranti Martins, speaking from Chattagram over phone after the match said, “It is football. Sometimes every plan fails to click. Today also we got ample of chances already in the first session. But none of us could convert those chances. And Chattagram Abahoni returned to the match after the lemon break and they were able to convert the chances they got.”
East Bengal coach Biswajit Bhattacharya however did not seem to be much dejected.
Rather he explained that exposure of his boys in this championship was extremely fruitful as a part of preparation for I-league this season, scheduled to start from January 2016.
Bhattacharya said over phone from Bangladesh, “I am extremely happy with the inexperienced boys like Avinaba Bag, Pralhad Roy, Abinash Ruidas, Dibyendu Sarkar who had consistent and brave performance in the tournament here. And looking forward towards the I-league, these junior boys’ performance has been truly inspiring for me. This was the achievement I gained for participating in this international tournament.”
Biswajit Bhattacharya also had praise for Ranti Martins who has struck three goals in three matches in the tournament. Bhattacharya said, “Before I-League Ranti’s return to the form is good for the team.”