The under-21 sides of East Bengal and Punjab FC were eliminated from the Next Generation Cup 2024 after suffering heavy defeats to Everton and Tottenham Hotspur respectively. On Friday, at the Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, Everton obliterated East Bengal with a crushing 6-0 victory, followed by a 4-1 penalty shootout win. This victory propelled Everton to the top of the standings. Punjab FC, on the other hand, faced a 0-3 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, failing to secure even a bonus point after losing 5-6 in a sudden death penalty shootout. East Bengal, who appeared composed in their first match, started the second match on a similar note. Vanlalpeka Guite attempted to capitalize on loose balls to create chances. However, Everton took control after half-time, scoring four goals within an eight-minute span after the restart. Harvey Foster led the attack, while Leighton Baines’ boys showcased their dominance. Foster’s free-kick found its way into the net, expertly struck by former Arsenal under-16 Demi Akarakiri. Kean Wren then capitalized on a cross from the No. 6, doubling the lead. Foster and Joel Catesby combined for the third goal, with Catesby receiving a setup for the finish. East Bengal was unable to recover from the onslaught. Muhammed Jasseel K’s failed block resulted in Braiden Graham tapping in the ball for the fourth goal. The contest ended there. Yet, the misery for East Bengal continued. After the second water break, George Finney was fouled in the box by Vanlalpeklua Guite, who was subsequently awarded a penalty kick. Guite confidently converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper to the wrong side. Ray Roberts added another goal with a brilliant finish, dribbling past three East Bengal defenders and finding the back of the net. Everton’s victory highlighted their ability to control the attacking spaces effectively, extinguishing East Bengal’s hopes of a comeback. In the other game, Tottenham Hotspur redeemed themselves after conceding an own goal and losing their opening match on Thursday. Samuel Bangura opened the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by Ellis Lehane’s brace in the 39th and 49th minutes, securing a comfortable victory for Tottenham Hotspur. Punjab FC had a chance to score when their captain Ricky John Shabong’s shot from a distance hit the woodwork in the 46th minute. However, their lack of power in their shots during attacks, coupled with the sudden death penalty shootout loss, concluded Punjab’s day on a sour note. East Bengal will face Aston Villa in their final group stage match, while Punjab FC will conclude their group stage campaign against Crystal Palace on Saturday, both matches taking place at the Aston Villa academy grounds. The standings after Day 2 are as follows: Everton – 8, Crystal Palace – 7, Stellenbosch – 6, Tottenham – 5, Aston Villa – 5, Muthoot FC – 1, East Bengal – 0, and Punjab FC – 0.
East Bengal and Punjab FC Crash Out of Next Generation Cup 2024
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