East Bengal made the most of a defensive blunder to beat an inspired FC Goa 1-0 and book a place in the final of the inaugural Super Cup at the Kalinga Stadium here on Monday.
Dudu, who missed a one-on-one earlier in the game and who was the target of racial abuse from his own fans in the last game, was the one to take his side over the line.
The Nigerian, however, refused to celebrate the goal.
Goa, which started the game with five changes to its starting line-up owing to suspension, came out fighting.
However, it was East Bengal which came close to opening the scoring on five separate occasions in the first half but lost its shooting boots in front of goal when it mattered. It also came across an excellent Laxmikant Kattimani in goal.
East Bengal’s first chance came in the 19th minute when Katsumi Yusa crossed in an inviting ball into the six-yard area but the onrushing Mohamed Al-Amnah failed to connect.
Yusa should then have had East Bengal in front 10 minutes from half-time. Twice.
His first attempt was blocked by Amey Ranawade after Yusa was found by a cut-back from Laldanmawia Ralte.
Seconds later, the Japanese midfielder was unmarked on the left-hand side of the goal, but he shot straight to Kattimani.
Goa came out attacking in the second half and Ferran Corominas, without his usual partners in attack, came close to putting his side in front. His 73rd-minute free-kick wrong-footed the goalkeeper but agonisingly struck the post.
Five minutes later, Dudu profited from a misunderstanding between Kattimani and Mohamed Ali as he tapped in a Yusa cross from the left.
Edu Bedia received his marching orders immediately after for a clumsy challenge. A frustrated Bedia kicked over a Super Cup cut-out on his way out.
Manvir Singh was afforded a chance in added-time to level the scores but he blazed over from less than 10 yards out. With that, Goa’s fight came to an end.
