Emami East Bengal FC Dominates Indian Air Force FT in Durand Cup
East Bengal's Stellar Performance in the Durand Cup
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 10: Emami East Bengal FC concluded their Group A journey in the 134th Durand Cup with an impressive 6-1 victory against Indian Air Force FT at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. This win marked their third consecutive victory, securing the top position in their group, as reported by the Durand Cup organizers.
In a display of teamwork and skill, six players from the Red and Gold Brigade found the back of the net, showcasing head coach Oscar Bruzon's effective rotation strategy. Bruzon made five alterations to his starting lineup, introducing Hamid Ahadad, Edmund Lalrindika, Kevin Sibille, Provat Lakra, and Jeakson Singh in a 4-3-3 formation.
On the other hand, Priya Darshan of the Airmen made three adjustments, reinstating captain Subhajit Basu in goal, along with Amarnath in the attack and Ashik Rahman in defense, adopting a 4-4-2 setup. From the outset, East Bengal dominated the match, forcing Subhajit into making consecutive saves from headers by Ahadad and Anwar within the first three minutes.
The Moroccan striker, who had recently scored on his debut, continued his scoring streak by netting the first goal in the 7th minute, heading the ball into the far post following a well-placed cross from Edmund. Ahadad nearly added another goal six minutes later, breaking away on a counter-attack from a Samuel pass, but his chip over goalkeeper Subhajit was thwarted by a last-minute clearance from Amarnath.
East Bengal's swift movements exploited the Airmen's high defensive line, leading to Bipin Singh scoring the second goal in the 25th minute, as he rounded the keeper and finished after seizing on a midfield error. The Airmen managed to pull one back in the 36th minute when Jijo Jerone's precise cross found Aman Khan, who expertly headed it past East Bengal's goalkeeper Gill, making it 2-1.
Just before halftime, Miguel Figueira came close with a curling free-kick, but East Bengal maintained their slim lead going into the break. The Red and Gold Brigade resumed play with determination, with both Edmund and Mahesh testing the goalkeeper early in the second half. In the 63rd minute, a corner from Miguel was met by Anwar Ali's powerful header, restoring East Bengal's two-goal advantage.
Shortly after the third goal, Bruzon introduced Saul Crespo, Basim Rashid, and David Hmer, a decision that quickly paid off. In the 68th minute, a partial clearance fell to Basim outside the box, and he struck a precise shot past Basu, extending the lead to 4-1.
East Bengal's relentless pressure forced mistakes, and in the 85th minute, Subhajit's punched clearance from an Edmund cross landed at Crespo's feet, who volleyed into an empty net for the fifth goal. In the dying moments of the match, Miguel's header found substitute David Hmer, who sealed the game with a nod to complete the 6-1 rout.
This commanding victory allows East Bengal to finish the group stage with an unblemished record, signaling their strong intent as they head into the knockout rounds, while the Airmen exit the tournament with just one point from three matches.