East Bengal Triumphs Over Indian Air Force in Durand Cup Opener
East Bengal started their campaign in the 133rd Durand Cup with a comfortable 3-1 victory over the Indian Air Force Football Team (IAFFT) in a Group A encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata.
Match Highlights
The Airmen took the lead in the 19th minute through Somananda Singh. However, East Bengal responded with goals from David Lalhlansanga, Dimitrios Diamantakos, and Saul Crespo, securing a comfortable victory.
Key Players and Debuts
East Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat named a strong starting 11, including new signings Madih Talal, Jeakson Singh, David Lalhlansanga, and Mark Zothanpuia. Star players like Naorem Mahesh Singh, Hijazi Maher, and Saul Crespo also featured prominently.
Indian Air Force head coach Priya Darshan fielded a young lineup, with experienced players Arashpreet Singh and Vivek Kumar on the bench.
Match Progression
David Lalhlansanga came close to scoring early on but was thwarted by the Air Force defense. The Airmen took the lead against the run of play, but East Bengal equalized in the 43rd minute through Lalhlansanga.
Second-half substitutions by Cuadrat, including the introduction of Greek forward Dimitrios Diamantakos, changed the game’s dynamics. Diamantakos scored in the 61st minute, and Saul Crespo added a third goal seven minutes later.
East Bengal maintained control for the rest of the match, missing a couple more chances in the dying minutes.
Doubts Revealed
East Bengal -: East Bengal is a famous football club in India, based in Kolkata. They have a long history and many fans.
Indian Air Force Football Team -: This is a football team made up of players who are part of the Indian Air Force, which is one of the branches of the Indian military.
Durand Cup -: The Durand Cup is one of the oldest football tournaments in India and the world. It started in 1888.
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan -: This is a big stadium in Kolkata, also known as Salt Lake Stadium. Many important football matches are played here.
Somananda Singh -: Somananda Singh is a football player who scored a goal for the Indian Air Force team in this match.
David Lalhlansanga -: David Lalhlansanga is a football player who scored a goal for East Bengal in this match.
Dimitrios Diamantakos -: Dimitrios Diamantakos is a football player from Greece who scored a goal for East Bengal in this match.
Saul Crespo -: Saul Crespo is a football player from Spain who scored a goal for East Bengal in this match.
Madih Talal -: Madih Talal is a new player who joined East Bengal and played his first match in this game.
Jeakson Singh -: Jeakson Singh is another new player who joined East Bengal and played his first match in this game.
Mark Zothanpuia -: Mark Zothanpuia is also a new player who joined East Bengal and played his first match in this game.
Group A -: In the Durand Cup, teams are divided into groups. Group A is one of these groups, and East Bengal is currently at the top of this group.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant -: Mohun Bagan Super Giant is another famous football club in Kolkata and a big rival of East Bengal.
