Viva Kerala made a good start to their Federation Cup campaign by holding group favourites East Bengal to a goalless draw in Silchar. East Bengal will have found it easier to adapt to the cool conditions in Assam as winter temperatures in Kolkata have decreased but stayed high in Kerala.

East Bengal could also count on a reasonable amount of support from the die hard fans who had made the journey to Silchar. EB recently beat Viva in Calicut but Viva were confident heading into the match knowing that EB were lucky that night in Calicut and the young team are rapidly gaining the experience required for these big matches.
This was the first time this season that Viva have kept a clean sheet after an impressive defensive display from not only the back four but also the hard work of the midfield to provide protection. Viva might have had the lead at half time but Sakeer sent both of his shots dangerously close to the post without troubling the EB goalie. Ruben also had a one-on-one after out muscling Okpara but was the victim of some alert goalkeeping. East Bengal also had chances, the closest being a freekick by Yakubu that thankfully came back off the crossbar.
The second half was more of the same with both teams evenly matched, the growing crowd became increasingly anxious to see a goal from either team. Sirajudeen almost provided the moment of brilliance that Viva craved but his 30 yard drive didn't quite dip enough. In the final few minutes East Bengal looked most likely to grab a winner with Yakubu dancing past Viva Kerala defenders on several occasions but each time he beat a Viva player he found another covering his team mate and for all his impressive skills was unable to create a decent opportunity. When Yakubu was given a good through ball he ran into the lively and strong Sharat, racing out from under the bar.
Viva were able to create two presentable chances in the second half but the maturing Shibin only found the side netting. In the last minute Ruben broke quickly down the right but was unable to find an unmarked Sakeer just 10 yards from goal, the young captain would surely have sealed the match in Viva's favour.

M.P. Sakeer: "We had good fighting spirit and our young team was more determined than the senior players of East Bengal."

Viva: Sharat - Surjith, Amarwant, Bello, Marsook - Patrick - Karma, Sakeer, Siraj (Nishad) - Reuben, Shibinlal.

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