By IANS
New Delhi, Jan 28 (IANS) Former champions East Bengal broke their losing jinx in the I-League football tournament by beating tournament leaders Dempo Sunday and opened up the title race after the 13th round.
With just five rounds to go in the 10-team league, Dempo are still at the top of the table with 27 points but the second-placed Churchill Brothers (26) and JCT, Phagwara (25) at the third place are steadily narrowing the lead.
Federation Cup champions East Bengal were earlier tipped to be one of the title favourites for the tournament but unfortunately their only win came at a time, when they are fighting to save relegation from the league.
With the win, the three-time former champions are ninth with 11 points. The Kolkata team has a difference of only one points with newly promoted Viva Kerala (12) placed eighth and a good run in the remaining five rounds may see East Bengal surviving in the top flight.
East Bengal, however, will have a tough challenge at home in the next match when they face Mumbai outfit and the sixth placed Air India, who are on a high after holding Mohun Bagan to goalless draw in the 13th round at Mumbai.
But East Bengal has to win the match at all costs if they want to come out of the relegation zone.
Mohun Bagan, who also recovered from a poor start, is now fourth in standings with 21 points and in the next round will have to face the might of Churchill.
A win for Churchill will ensure them a hold on the trophy. The return of Nigerian striker Odafe Onyeka Okolie will bolster Churchill’s chances against Mohun Bagan, who will have the Bhaichung Bhutia-Jose Ramires Barretto combination in their rank.
The 14th round will also see an exciting encounter on the cards with Dempo taking on JCT in Margao.
A win or loss for both the teams may change the scenario for the title contenders. If Dempo manages a win, it will help them to hold on to their lead and a victory for JCT will help the Phagwara team reduce the gap with Churchill.