Kolkata: East Bengal secures dominant win in Durand Cup, Shillong Lajong also victorious
East Bengal’s dominant performance
East Bengal FC achieved a significant victory in a Durand Cup Group A fixture, defeating CISF Protectors by a score of 8-0. The match took place at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. This win marked a return to form for East Bengal after a recent derby loss.
The Red-and-Gold Brigade established an early lead, scoring three goals before halftime. Their offensive momentum continued into the second half, where they added five more goals to secure all three points from the encounter. Vishnu PV was a standout performer, netting a hat-trick. Jesin T.K. also contributed significantly with two goals, while Jeakson Singh added another to the scoresheet. An own goal by CISF Protectors captain Mohammad Khalid further extended East Bengal‘s lead.
The match saw several tactical adjustments from both sides. East Bengal FC head coach Antonio López Habas implemented a 4-3-3 formation, making six changes to the starting lineup from the previous Kolkata Derby against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. These changes included Phurba Lachenpa, Hardik Bhatt, PV Vishnu, Daniel Ramírez, Mohamad Basim Rashid, and Jesin TK coming into the team. Players who retained their positions included Anwar Ali, Lalchungnunga, Sandip Mandi, Jeakson Singh, and Edmund Lalrindika.
CISF Protectors also made alterations to their squad and formation. Head coach Shehzad Khan opted for a 4-4-2 setup. Captain Mohammad Khalid returned to the starting eleven, replacing Pawan Pratap Singh, and Aditya stepped in for Thangminlien Haokip in defense. The remaining starting players maintained their places as CISF aimed to build on their prior performance.
Shillong Lajong begins Durand Cup with a win
In another Durand Cup fixture, Shillong Lajong FC commenced their campaign with a victory in the Shillong Derby. They secured a 2-0 win against Nongkseh Sports and Cultural Club in the opening match of Group E. This game was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The decisive goals for Shillong Lajong FC were scored by Everbrightson Sana and Tremiki Lamurong. Everbrightson Sana found the net in the 70th minute, and Tremiki Lamurong added the second goal in the 86th minute, sealing the win for the Shillong-based team.
The East Bengal FC versus CISF Protectors match was played on Friday, July 31, with a kick-off time of 7:30 PM IST. The live telecast of the match was available on Sony Sports Network, specifically on Sony Sports 5 and Sony Sports 5 HD. Additionally, live streaming was provided through the Sony LIV app and website for subscribers.
East Bengal had previously faced a defeat in the Kolkata Derby and aimed to recover their winning momentum in this Durand Cup 2026 group stage fixture. The team had also experienced a loss in the Durand Cup 2025 semifinal against Diamond Harbour FC. Coach Antonio Lopez Habas, in his first match in charge, had encountered a defeat, leading to the expectation of changes within the team for subsequent matches.
The comprehensive victory for East Bengal FC and the winning start for Shillong Lajong FC mark notable results in the early stages of the Durand Cup tournament.
Source: newindianexpress.com
