East Bengal Beat Mohun Bagan to Win Record-Equalling 17th Durand Cup Title

Kolkata: Edmund Lalrindika struck a hat-trick as East Bengal FC produced a sensational performance to defeat arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday, lifting the historic trophy for the 17th time.

The victory also saw East Bengal draw level with Mohun Bagan on 17 Durand Cup titles.

Mohun Bagan started the final with greater control of the tempo, with Anirudh Thapa and Liston Colaco looking to create openings for Manvir Singh and Jamie Maclaren. But East Bengal struck with devastating efficiency, scoring twice in the space of two minutes to take control of the contest.

In the 10th minute, East Bengal captain Mohamad Basim Rashid produced a wonderful through ball to release Bipin Singh on the left. Bipin made no mistake, finishing brilliantly towards the far post to put the Red and Gold Brigade ahead.

Two minutes later, East Bengal doubled their advantage. Edmund Lalrindika picked up the ball outside the box and unleashed a superb strike that flew beyond the reach of Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to make it 2-0.

East Bengal were defending deep but remained dangerous whenever they won possession, and their third goal arrived in the 22nd minute.

The Mariners finally pulled one back in the 33rd minute. Lalengmawia played a wonderful through ball from midfield to Manvir Singh on the right. Manvir raced into the box before cutting inside and producing a superb finish towards the far

In the 44th minute, Basim Rashid delivered a free-kick from the right towards the far post. Jay Gupta tapped it to redirect it across the face of goal, and Edmund was perfectly placed to finish from close range. The goal completed his hat-trick and restored East Bengal's three-goal advantage. At half-time, East Bengal led 4-1. IANS

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