Undefeated so far in this edition of the Durand Cup, Emami East Bengal will face a stern test when they face Gokulam Kerala FC in the quarter-final clash at the Salt Lake Stadium on Friday.
Barring the 2-2 draw against the Bangladesh Army side in which they lost a two-goal lead, East Bengal have been able to do most things correctly in the group stage, including a much-needed win over arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in over four years.
That said, this is the knockout stage, which means teams have to start afresh.
However, this is a relatively new-look East Bengal side which must be looking to turn the tables on their opponents, though they have to be careful about the errors their defenders tend to commit.
Gokulam Kerala are always a dangerous side in knockouts. East Bengal need to be cautious of that.
"The stakes are obviously higher in the knockouts. Having done well against some strong opponents in the group stage has been a boost.
"Gokulam were the champions in their group, so a tough match awaits us," coach Carles Cuadrat said.
Gokulam Kerala coach Domingo Oramas urged his wards to buck up in defence. "We need to be compact in defence and be brave," he said.
In Guwahati on Thursday, Konsam Phalguni Singh’s second-half goal helped NorthEast United FC beat Indian Army Football Team 1-0 in the first quarter final.
The writer is an intern with The Telegraph
