Indian clubs’ bad start to the Next Gen Cup 2024 continued on Thursday as East Bengal’s under-21 team fell 0-1 to Crystal Palace’s under-18 team, becoming the third and last team to lose its opening game in the competition.
From the beginning of the game, East Bengal—which entered the contest fresh off a thrilling 3-0 friendly victory against Luton Town Academy—was put on the defensive as the Young Eagles relentlessly advanced their attack along the wings.
Despite making three attempts in the latter third, Vanlalpeka Guite, one of East Bengal’s most promising prospects, was unable to help his team hit the net.
It worked for the majority of the game as East Bengal’s coach Bino George yelled at his players to maintain their defensive form from the sidelines, while Palace missed at least six opportunities to shoot from in front of the box.
But right before halftime, Finley Marjoram‘s far post header from Dean Benamar’s cross on the left provided the breakthrough. The ball that proved to be the winner was tucked by Marjoram, who had up until now been the provider.
“It presented distinct difficulties and was a different opponent,” stated Robb Quinn, the head coach of Palace, following the match. “Kudos to East Bengal for their excellent defense—they were disciplined and well-coached without the ball. We had to tinker around a lot since they made it difficult to play through.
Following 50 minutes of ordinary time, East Bengal converted two penalties off of Tanmay Das, K. Ashique, and Muhammad. Palace scored on all four of these attempts to take home an additional point.
“Everyone here, including the foreign teams, is far better than us.” After the game, George stated, “But the things we were happy about, we will try to make them better in the next match.” “This is not (too) bad a result, a 0-1 loss,” he continued.
Later today, East Bengal’s under-18 team will play Everton, while Palace’s second game will take place at one of Bodymoor Heath’s academy sites against Muthoot Football Academy.
