East Bengal FC, the Kolkata-based football giants, kicked off their Durand Cup campaign with a resounding 3-1 victory over the Indian Air Force (IAF) football team at the Salt Lake Stadium on Monday.
Despite IAF drawing first blood through Somananda Singh’s strike in the opening quarter, East Bengal fought back with determination. Young forward David Hmar equalized just before the break, restoring parity for the Red and Gold Brigade.
With head coach Carles Cuadrat fielding a full-strength squad, East Bengal wasted no time in taking the lead. In the 61st minute, Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos, the ISL’s top scorer last season, nodded home a header to put East Bengal ahead.
Captain Saul Crespo sealed the deal for East Bengal in the 68th minute with a well-taken shot. The victory marked a positive start for the Kolkata giants, who are aiming to lift the Durand Cup trophy for the first time since 2002.
East Bengal’s dominance was evident throughout the match. They controlled possession and created numerous scoring opportunities. The IAF team, despite their early lead, struggled to keep up with the pace and intensity of the Red and Gold Brigade.
The victory will boost East Bengal’s confidence as they prepare for their upcoming matches in the Durand Cup. The tournament, one of the oldest and most prestigious football competitions in Asia, features some of the top clubs in India.
East Bengal will be hoping to continue their winning ways and make a strong run in the tournament. With a talented squad and a determined coach, they have the potential to challenge for the title.
