Kolkata, August 23: In a stunning display of skill, East Bengal FC triumphed over Mohun Bagan Super Giant with a decisive 4-1 victory in the final of the 135th Durand Cup on Sunday. This win marks East Bengal’s first title in 22 years, their last being in 2004.
The final, held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, saw Edmund Lalrinthika shine as the star of the match. He scored a remarkable hat-trick within the first 44 minutes, giving East Bengal a commanding lead.
From the outset, East Bengal showcased their dominance. In the 10th minute, T.H. Bipin Singh opened the scoring, followed swiftly by Lalrinthika’s first goal just a minute later. He then netted his second in the 22nd minute, putting East Bengal ahead 3-0.
Mohun Bagan’s Manveer Singh attempted to spark hope with a goal in the 33rd minute, but Lalrinthika completed his hat-trick just before halftime, sealing the first half at 4-1.
The first half was marked by five goals and two yellow cards, one for East Bengal’s Dani Ramirez in the 29th minute and another for Mohun Bagan’s Lalengmawia Ralte in the 42nd minute.
The second half, however, saw no goals, despite several fouls and yellow cards being issued. Mohun Bagan’s Abhishek Singh received a yellow card in the 58th minute, followed by East Bengal’s Thounaojam Jackson Singh in the 59th minute. In the dying moments of the match, Mohun Bagan’s Alberto Rodriguez Martin was also cautioned in the 90+5th minute.
As the final whistle blew, the score remained 4-1, confirming East Bengal FC’s one-sided victory in this historic match.
Leave a Comment