East Bengal vs Mohammedan SC Player Ratings: Gill, Anwar Ali shine as Nandhakumar & Naorem dissapoint | ISL 2024-25

Two players were sent off from the home team.

East Bengal earned their first point of the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign with a 0-0 draw against Mohammedan Sporting at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Saturday (9 November).

Despite starting the game sharply, the Red & Gold Brigade went down to nine men after Nandhakumar Sekar and Naorem Mahesh Singh picked up red cards in the space of a minute by the 30th-minute mark. Mohammedan huffed and puffed after that, but were unable to break the East Bengal backline and had to settle for a draw.

East Bengal (by Uttiyo Sarkar)

Prabhsukhan Gill – 7.5

Gill was extremely proactive in his box, showcasing impressive reaction skills to frustrate the opponents. He made six saves, including an amazing one to deny Franca in the first half. Collected loose balls well and earned his clean sheet.

Mohamad Rakip – 7.5

Rakip was a combative player on the right side, using his game-reading skills brilliantly. He neutralized most of Mohammedan’s threat in that wing, making seven clearances, two interceptions and seven possession recoveries.

Anwar Ali – 7.5

Ali held together a rock-solid defensive shape with Maher and was efficient with his defensive work. Popped up in key positions to make vital challenges. He made eight clearances and one interception in an impressive effort.

Lalchungnunga – 6.5

Despite playing in an unnatural position, Lalchungnunga was reactive at the back. He made a few vital clearances and stopped Mohammedan from creating a host of chances from his wing.  

Souvik Chakrabarti – 5.5

Souvik had to act almost as an extra centre-back after the two red cards. Couldn’t really make an impact in midfield, only making one tackle and one interception. Had zero creative threat and was too passive with his passes.

Naorem Mahesh Singh – 2.0

Mahesh picked up his first yellow card for a cynical foul to stop a counter-attack. Misplaced quite a few passes and then saw his second yellow for misbehaving with the referee.

Nandhakumar Sekar – 2.0

Made a few decent passes before seeing red for getting into a violent altercation with Amarjit.

Substitutes

Jeakson Singh – 6.5

Jeakson was able to help East Bengal absorb the late pressure and ensure they at least got the clean sheet.

David Lalhlansanga – N/A

Couldn’t do much in a very late cameo.

Mohammedan Sporting (by Dipro Mukherjee)

Bhaskar Roy – 5

The Mohammedan custodian wasn’t tested for most of the game. He wasn’t forced into action even for once thus having no saves within the 18-yard box and sweeper movements.

Zodingliana Ralte – 5.5

The Mohammedan SC skipper had guarded the left flank for most of the game. He did create a chance but was more defensive against East Bengal, something quite unusual for his regular playstyle.

Gaurav Bora – 6.5

Gaurav Bora was undoubtedly the best Indian player for the Black and White Brigade on the pitch tonight. He stood firm in the defensive third, showcasing great composure and making crucial recoveries. He was also fair in his duels and was making interceptions to break the opposition’s rhythm.

Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak – 5

Zuidika seemed a bit off today on the right flank. Though he had game involvement, however, was getting dispossessed and also couldn’t win any of his ground or aerial duels against East Bengal players.

Amarjit Singh Kiyam – 5.5

Amarjit’s box-to-box attitude seemed to have dimmed tonight. Even though he was fairly clinical with his passing, however, his work rate was lower than usual and also wasn’t effective in winning back the possession in the centre of the park.

Bikash Singh Sagolsem – 6.5

The speedster has thoroughly recovered from his injury and it was clearly seen in his performance tonight. Even though Mohammedan SC missed out on creating chances, Bikash was trying to make it count while dribbling through the opposition’s defenders or trying to land the ball in Freires’ path.

Lalremsanga Fanai – 6

Fanai registered a complete passing accuracy with 19 accurate passes. However, his attempts to create chances and make them count fell short against Lalchungunga’s rock-solid defence on the flanks.

Lalrinfela Khiangte – 6.5

Lalrinfela came on as a substitute in place of Amarjit in the second half and proved to be clinical in the deep. Well-versed with his duties in the deep midfield, he remained unbeatable throughout his time on the pitch.

Substitutes

Makan Winkle Chothe – N/A

Mohammed Irshad – N/A

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