East Bengal brought their AFC Cup campaign back on track with a 1-0 victory over Yemen's Ahli Sana'a in a Group D league match in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Edmilson Marquis slotted in a spectacular half-volley to ensure full points for the Kolkata giants, who now have three points from two outings.
East Bengal had lost 0-1 in their lung-opener against Lebanese club Safa FC in Beirut last week.
After today's defeat, Sana'a have a solitary point which they garnered from their 1-1 draw against Jordan's Al Wihdat in their first outing.
The all-important goal for the Federation Cup champions came in the 34th minute when Ibe Ikechukwu Gift's volley deflected off Sana'a defender Ahmed Khalili to unmarked Brazilian Edmilson, who fired a power-packed right-footer that lodged in the net, giving no chance to rival goalkeeper Manaudh Abdul Khaleej.
The Yemenis looked enterprising in the initial minutes as they used their big frame to advantage in trying to build attacks down the right flank, but failed to create scoring chances.
East Bengal took some time to gauge their opponents before having a look at the visitor's goal in the 12th minute. Edmilson essayed a cross from the right flank, but Syed Rahim Nabi's header flew over.
The red and yellow brigade gradually seized control of the match with the Yemenis having sapped all energy in the hot and humid conditions.
