East Bengal FC Dominates South United FC with a 5-0 Victory in Durand Cup

East Bengal FC's Impressive Win

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 8: East Bengal FC showcased an outstanding performance, securing a decisive 5-0 win against South United FC in their concluding Group A match of the 135th Durand Cup at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Friday. The goals for the Red and Gold Brigade came from Dani Ramirez, Mohamad Rashid, Hardik Bhatt, Bipin Singh, and David Lalhlansanga.

This victory elevates East Bengal FC to six points from three matches in Group A, boasting a goal difference of +11, positioning them favorably in the quest to advance to the quarter-finals as one of the top second-placed teams. Conversely, South United FC wraps up their Durand Cup journey after a spirited effort despite the heavy loss.

All 43 matches of the 135th Durand Cup are being broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV.

As both teams faced off in their final group match, East Bengal started strong, with Jesin T.K. Thonikkara missing an early chance before South United's captain Noel S intervened to thwart another threatening attack.

The first goal came in the sixth minute, thanks to a brilliant individual effort from Dani Ramirez. After receiving a pass from captain Mohamad Basim Rashid, the Spaniard shifted to his favored foot and unleashed a stunning long-range shot into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Sunil Singh helpless.

East Bengal maintained control of the game, with Jeakson Singh, Ramirez, and Jesin effectively linking up in midfield, while wingers Edmund Lalrindika and P.V. Vishnu stretched the South United defense.

Sandip Mandi sent in a tempting cross that just evaded Vishnu, and Jesin's close-range header was blocked by Noel S, who made another crucial defensive play. Shortly after, Basim Rashid's cross found Ignacio Monsalve Vicente in the box, but the defender's header went wide.

Despite East Bengal's relentless pressure, South United held firm defensively. Rowan James and Rishik Shetty made several key blocks and clearances, forcing the Kolkata side to take long-range shots.

The second goal came in the 24th minute from a well-executed corner. Dani Ramirez's delivery was flicked on by Jesin at the near post, allowing Basim Rashid to power a header into the net at the far post.

Ramirez continued to be a key player, nearly extending the lead with several attempts, one of which was brilliantly saved by Sunil Singh, while another went just wide. He then set up Vishnu, but the winger's finish sailed over the advancing goalkeeper and the crossbar.

South United remained organized defensively, frustrating East Bengal despite the hosts' dominance. Their only significant chance in the first half came in the 40th minute when Md Altaf Hussain's shot deflected, forcing Gourab Shaw into a sharp save.

Vishnu was denied again in first-half stoppage time by Sunil Singh, as East Bengal went into halftime with a well-deserved 2-0 lead, having enjoyed 84 percent possession and registering 21 shots, six of which were on target, compared to none from South United.

The second half continued in the same vein, with East Bengal controlling the ball while South United defended deep, looking for counter-attack opportunities.

Makakmayum Daniyal nearly scored a spectacular goal in the 54th minute, attempting a long-range shot as he spotted Gourab Shaw off his line, but the ball curled wide.

South United almost found a way back into the match shortly after the hour mark. Mustafa Shaikh delivered a great cross that Daniyal met ahead of Sandip Mandi and Anwar Ali. The forward cleverly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper but failed to direct it towards the goal.

East Bengal kept pushing for a third goal but faced a resolute South United defense. Substitute Th. Bipin Singh sent in a great cross in the 68th minute, but Jesin narrowly missed connecting from close range.

The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute from defender Hardik Bhatt, who struck a powerful low shot from distance. The ball appeared to be under control by Sunil Singh, but the late movement caught him off guard, allowing it to slip into the net.

Eight minutes later, the Red and Gold Brigade scored their fourth goal. Christopher James delivered a dangerous cross from the left that was only partially cleared by South United's defense. Bipin Singh timed his run perfectly and guided a close-range header inside the near post.

Despite the heavy scoreline, South United continued to fight until the end. Noel S made another brave tackle in the closing moments to prevent further damage, while East Bengal wasted another promising attack when Edmund Lalrindika shot over the bar.

The final goal came with virtually the last kick of the match. David Lalhlansanga collected the ball in the penalty area and emphatically finished with a left-footed shot into the roof of the net, sealing a resounding 5-0 victory.