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

East Bengal FC's Commanding Win

In a stunning performance, East Bengal FC triumphed over South United FC with a decisive 5-0 scoreline during their final Group A match of the 135th Durand Cup at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Friday. Goals from Dani Ramirez, Mohamad Rashid, Hardik Bhatt, Bipin Singh, and David Lalhlansanga secured the victory for the Red and Gold Brigade.

This win elevates East Bengal FC to six points from three matches in Group A, boasting an impressive goal difference of +11. They are now well-positioned to advance to the quarter-finals as one of the top second-placed teams. Conversely, South United FC concludes their Durand Cup journey, having shown commendable 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.

Early Dominance by East Bengal

As both teams faced off in their final group match, East Bengal FC quickly took control. Jesin T.K. Thonikkara had an early chance but missed the target, while South United's captain Noel S made a crucial defensive play to thwart another attack.

The first goal came in the sixth minute, thanks to a brilliant strike from Dani Ramirez. After receiving a pass from captain Mohamad Basim Rashid, Ramirez skillfully shifted to his stronger foot and launched a spectacular long-range shot into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Sunil Singh helpless.

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

Continued Pressure and Goals

Sandip Mandi sent in a tempting cross that just eluded Vishnu, and Jesin's header was saved by Noel S. Shortly after, Basim Rashid's cross found Ignacio Monsalve Vicente, but his header went wide.

Despite East Bengal's relentless pressure, South United defended well, with Rowan James and Rishik Shetty making several key blocks. The second goal came in the 24th minute from a well-executed corner. Dani Ramirez's delivery was flicked on by Jesin, allowing Basim Rashid to head the ball into the net.

Ramirez continued to be a key player, almost extending the lead with multiple attempts, one of which was saved by Sunil Singh, while another went just wide. He also set up Vishnu, who unfortunately lifted his shot over the bar.

Second Half Dominance

South United remained defensively organized, but East Bengal's control persisted. Their only notable chance in the first half came when Md Altaf Hussain's shot was deflected, forcing Gourab Shaw into a save. East Bengal went into halftime with a deserved 2-0 lead, having dominated possession with 84% and registering 21 shots, six of which were on target.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with East Bengal in control while South United looked for counter-attacking opportunities.

Late Goals Seal the Victory

In the 54th minute, Makakmayum Daniyal attempted a long-range shot but missed the target. South United nearly found a way back into the game when Mustafa Shaikh's cross was met by Daniyal, who couldn't direct his shot on goal.

East Bengal continued to press for a third goal, and in the 73rd minute, defender Hardik Bhatt scored with a low strike that slipped past Sunil Singh. Eight minutes later, Bipin Singh added a fourth goal with a well-timed header from a Christopher James cross.

Despite the scoreline, South United fought hard, with Noel S making a crucial tackle late in the game. The final goal came in stoppage time when David Lalhlansanga scored with a powerful left-footed shot, concluding the match at 5-0.