Kolkata, Aug 23: East Bengal FC produced a stunning performance in the Kolkata derby, defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 to win the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday.
The victory saw East Bengal claim their 17th Durand Cup title and draw level with Mohun Bagan at the top of the tournament’s all-time honours list.
The final turned decisively in East Bengal’s favour during a remarkable opening 22 minutes, when the Red and Gold Brigade scored three times to put their rivals under immense pressure.
Mohun Bagan initially enjoyed more possession, with Anirudh Thapa and Liston Colaco attempting to create opportunities for Manvir Singh and Jamie Maclaren. But East Bengal were ruthless when openings came their way.
The breakthrough arrived in the 10th minute. Captain Mohamad Basim Rashid produced an excellent through ball to release Th. Bipin Singh on the left. Bipin raced forward before calmly finding the far corner to give East Bengal the lead.
Just two minutes later, the advantage was doubled. Edmund Lalrindika collected the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a superb strike that flew beyond the reach of Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
The Mariners tried to respond immediately. Liston Colaco saw a dangerous cross cleared by the East Bengal defence before earning a free-kick just outside the box. His set-piece appeared to be heading towards the target, but Prabhsukhan Singh Gill produced an outstanding save to keep it out.
East Bengal were content to defend deeper but remained dangerous on the counter, and their third goal arrived in the 22nd minute.
Edmund Lalrindika began the move in midfield before the ball was worked towards Hardik Bhatt on the left. The full-back delivered towards Daniel Ramírez, who played the ball into the centre. Edmund continued his run, collected possession and showed excellent composure to evade both the goalkeeper and a defender before finishing into the near post.
Three goals down, Mohun Bagan continued to search for a response. Thapa found Maclaren with a good pass in the 30th minute, but the Australian’s long-range effort went wide.
The Mariners finally pulled one back three minutes later. Lalengmawia sent a precise through ball towards Manvir Singh on the right. Manvir drove into the box, cut inside and produced a superb finish towards the far post to make it 3-1.
Manvir continued to pose a threat, making another dangerous run in the 37th minute before laying the ball off for Maclaren, who could not convert.
East Bengal continued to absorb pressure, with Gill also showing his ability as a sweeper-keeper by making an important clearance in the 39th minute.
But just as Mohun Bagan appeared to be building momentum, East Bengal struck again.
In the 44th minute, Basim Rashid sent a free-kick from the right towards the far post. Jay Gupta redirected the ball across the face of goal, where Edmund was waiting to finish from close range.
The goal completed Edmund’s hat-trick and gave East Bengal a commanding 4-1 lead at half-time.
Mohun Bagan made changes after the restart and tried to reduce the deficit, but East Bengal’s defence remained well organised.
Subhasish Bose’s cross was cleared by Lalchungnunga in the 48th minute, while Anwar Ali made an important interception three minutes later to prevent a dangerous combination between substitute Miguel Ferreira and Manvir.
The Mariners came close again in the 58th minute when Colaco curled a powerful free-kick from the left edge of the penalty area towards goal. Gill was again equal to the challenge, making another fine save.
East Bengal continued to threaten on the counter. Bipin tested Kaith in the 65th minute, while Manvir’s run two minutes later was brought to an end by a strong clearance from Jay Gupta.
Mohun Bagan continued to dominate possession as they searched for a route back into the final, but East Bengal’s defensive unit of Sandip Mandi, Anwar Ali and Hardik Bhatt remained disciplined.
East Bengal increasingly relied on counter-attacks, while Mohun Bagan attempted to move the ball around the Red and Gold defensive block. Substitute Jesin T.K. Thonikkara had an opportunity in the 71st minute after a promising run from the left, but Kaith blocked his effort.
The Mariners introduced further attacking options in an attempt to revive the contest, with Lallianzuala Chhangte, Miguel Ferreira and Sahal Abdul Samad all involved in their attacking moves. East Bengal, however, continued to clear the danger, while Jeakson Singh worked tirelessly in midfield.
Kiyan Nassiri Giri came close in the 86th minute after turning inside the penalty area, but his effort lacked the power and accuracy required to trouble Gill.
Mohun Bagan continued to push until the closing stages, but there was to be no comeback. Maclaren’s effort in the second minute of stoppage time was comfortably gathered by Gill.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 4-1 victory for East Bengal and sealed their 17th Durand Cup triumph.
The result also added another significant chapter to the history of the Kolkata derby, with East Bengal now level with Mohun Bagan on 17 Durand Cup titles.
Individual Awards
Golden Glove: VIshal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG)
Golden Boot: Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)
Golden Ball: Edmund Lalrindika (East Bengal FC)
All the award winners were also presented with a Rs. 3 lakh cheque, while the Golden Ball winner also received a SUV key.
