Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Jul 23: Sixteen-time champions East Bengal SC began their 134th Durand Cup campaign in dominant fashion, crushing tournament debutants South United FC 5–0 in a Group A clash at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday.
Goals from Lalchungnunga, Saul Crespo, Bipin Singh, Dimitrios Diamantakos, and Naorem Mahesh Singh sealed the emphatic win and three points for the Kolkata giants.
East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation, handing debuts to Martand Raina and Mohammad Rashid, while David Lalhlansanga, P.V. Vishnu, and Mahesh Singh led the attack. South United, playing their maiden Durand Cup match, lined up in a 4-3-3 setup with captain S. Noel marshalling the defense and Makakmayum Daniyal as the lone striker.
East Bengal dominated right from the start, enjoying overwhelming possession. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute, when Lalchungnunga capitalized on a poor clearance and smashed the ball into the top corner.
The lead doubled in the 36th minute, when Saul Crespo calmly converted a penalty after Edmund Lalrindika was fouled inside the box by 17-year-old Abdul Salha.
The first half could have ended with a wider margin, but East Bengal were wasteful in front of goal — Vishnu struck the post twice, and Crespo missed three free headers. South United were forced to defend deep, often packing their box with up to seven players, while goalkeeper S. Nishanth made a few key saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
The floodgates reopened in the 80th minute as Bipin Singh slotted home after receiving a pinpoint through ball from Diamantakos. The Greek striker then added his name to the scoresheet with a low free-kick that slipped through the keeper’s hands in the 86th minute.
Mahesh Singh wrapped up the rout in the 90th minute, curling a superb shot into the top corner with his weaker right foot to seal a commanding 5–0 victory.
The result highlights East Bengal’s intent to go deep into the competition, while South United FC, though spirited, were clearly outclassed.
In the next fixture, Jamshedpur FC will take on Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army FC as the Jamshedpur leg of the tournament kicks off Thursday at the JRD Tata Sports Complex.