Kolkata: Nigerian striker Mike Okoro scored a brace as East Bengal continued its winning spree by overcoming a spirited challenge from Dempo Sports Club 3-2 in a fast paced encounter of the seventh National Football League at the Salt Lake Stadium on Monday.

The red and yellow brigade, which was trailing 1-2 at the breather and missed a penalty, came from behind to snatch an exciting win, thus further consolidating its position at the top with 27 points from 11 matches.

The locals took a lead as early as the third minute when Dempo's new Sri Lankan recruit E B Channa scored a suicidal goal while trying to clear an Alvito D'Cunha free kick from 30 yards.

Barely a minute later, the Goan outfit restored parity through veteran striker Raman Vijayan, who shot home from close past a helpless East Bengal goal-keeper Sandip Nandy.

The visitors, who looked determined to fight back after the 1-5 drubbing against Mohun Bagan in the previous exchange, continued their offensive and took a lead in the 14th minute.

Channa, desperate to compensate for his mistake in his maiden appearance in Indian soccer league, made a sudden charge into the box after getting a measured pass from Bijen Singh.

The nimble-footed striker edged past a defender before firing a volley that hit the side post before ramming into the net.

Dempo, losing out to the city giants in consecutive matches, remain with 20 points from 11 outings.

PTI