East Bengal claimed victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant with a 3-2 scoreline in the Calcutta Football League (CFL), securing bragging rights in a pulsating Kolkata Derby at Kalyani Stadium on Saturday.
The clash marked the first top-flight competitive meeting between the two rivals at this venue.
This win brought an end to East Bengal’s three-game winless run in the CFL, lifting them to eight points from five matches.
For the Red and Gold Brigade, Jesin TK (9’), Sayan Banerjee (45+6’) and David Lalhlansanga (69’) found the net, while Leewan Castanha (55’) and Kiyan Nassiri (67’) scored for the Mariners.
East Bengal dominated the first half, with Bino George’s side controlling the midfield battle. They took an early lead when Jesin latched onto Banerjee’s cutback and slotted home.
Mohun Bagan’s first clear chance arrived just after the 30-minute mark, as Kiyan Nassiri – in his second spell with the Mariners following a stint at Chennaiyin FC – struck a loose ball against the post. Forward Suhail Bhat also had opportunities but failed to convert.
Right before halftime, Banerjee linked up with Edmund Lalrindika to double East Bengal’s lead, making it 2-0 at the break.
The second half saw a revitalized Mohun Bagan, and their efforts paid off through defender Castanha. A corner was floated in, Dippendu Biswas nodded it down, and Castanha squeezed the ball through a crowd of players to pull one back.
The Mohun Bagan supporters roared back to life, and just over 10 minutes later, Nassiri made amends for his first-half miss, heading home from Castanha’s assist to level the score.
However, the Mariners’ joy was short-lived. Lalhlansanga’s header from substitute Aman CK’s cross proved decisive, securing the derby win for East Bengal.
East Bengal was reduced to 10 men in stoppage time after Aman picked up a second yellow card, but they held on to seal the victory.
