Matti Steinmann struck twice to help SC East Bengal pull off a 2-2 draw against two-time champions Chennaiyin FC (CFC) in an Indian Super League match here on Saturday.
It was Robbie Fowler-coached SC East Bengal’s third draw — to go with four defeats — as victory eluded them again.
Chennaiyin FC led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a 13th-minute strike from Lallianzuala Chhangte before Steinmann equalised for East Bengal in the 59th.
CFC went ahead again in the 64th minute through Rahim Ali’s strike before East Bengal made it 2-2 when the German scored his second of the game.
Chennaiyin with two wins, two losses and three draws moved up to seventh spot with nine points while East Bengal are in 10th place with just three points.
Mohammed Rafique wasted a golden opportunity to pull SC East Bengal level. A long-ball from midfield found Rafique with only rival goalkeper Vishal Kaith to beat. But the touch that he took to divert the ball past the keeper was too heavy and it allowed Deepak Tangri the time to slide in and put the ball out for a corner.
After an action-packed first half, during which Changte’s strike enabled CFC gain a 1-0 lead, Steinmann scored in the 59th minute to level things up.
Rahim slotted home for CFC in the 64th minute from close range. However, an error from goalkeeper Kaith allowed Steinmann to score five minutes later and bring East Bengal on level terms.
Bikash Jairu took a corner from the right and played it deep onto the far post for Daniel Fox, whose header was saved but Kaith gloved it into the path of Steinmann who obliged with a poke.
In an action-packed first half, CFC took the lead in the 13th minute and kept East Bengal at bay with some good work by the backline.
Chhangte’s goal came when he ran some 40 yards down the left flank and shot past the diving East Bengal goalkeeper Debjit Majumdar to put CFC in front.