East Bengal virtually stormed into the pre-quarter-finals of the AFC Cup after a 2-1 victory over Singapore giants Tampines Rovers in a Group H league match in Kolkata on Tuesday.
The Federation Cup champions led 1-0 at half-time through Chidi Edeh's 23rd minute strike, on a hot and muggy afternoon at the Yubab Barati Krirangan.
The Singapore league leaders restored parity through Shaiful Esah in the 69th minute, but East Bengal had the last laugh when Lalrindika Ralte fired in the winner in the 87th minute.
The red and gold brigade stay atop Group H with 10 points from four matches and are almost assured a last 16 knock-out berth.
East Bengal had beaten the defending S-League champions 4-2 win in Singapore last week.
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