East Bengal Lift Record-Equalling 17th Durand Cup After Dominant 4-1 Win Over Mohun Bagan
By Suman Munshi, Chief Editor | IBG NEWS
Kolkata, 23 August 2026
East Bengal FC – 4 (Th. Bipin Singh 10′, Edmund Lalrindika 12′, 22′, 44′)
Mohun Bagan Super Giant – 1 (Manvir Singh 33′)
East Bengal FC produced a commanding display in one of Indian football’s most fiercely contested rivalries, defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday. The triumph secured East Bengal’s 17th Durand Cup title, bringing them level with Mohun Bagan on the all-time list of champions.
The victory was built around a breathtaking first-half performance, with East Bengal scoring four times before the interval. Edmund Lalrindika emerged as the hero of the final, scoring a hat-trick, while Th. Bipin Singh added the opening goal. Mohun Bagan’s only reply came through Manvir Singh.
East Bengal Strike Twice in Two Minutes
Mohun Bagan initially appeared comfortable in possession, with Anirudh Thapa and Liston Colaco attempting to create opportunities for Manvir Singh and Jamie Maclaren. East Bengal, however, quickly demonstrated their efficiency in attack.
The breakthrough came in the 10th minute. Captain Mohamad Basim Rashid delivered an incisive through ball to Bipin Singh on the left. Bipin controlled the opportunity superbly and finished towards the far post to give East Bengal an early lead.
Just two minutes later, East Bengal doubled their advantage. Edmund Lalrindika, receiving the ball outside the penalty area, unleashed a powerful effort that left Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith with little chance.
The Mariners attempted to respond. Liston Colaco created danger from the flank and subsequently earned a free-kick, but East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill produced an important save to keep his side ahead.
Lalrindika Adds a Third
East Bengal’s third goal arrived in the 22nd minute following another impressive attacking sequence.
Edmund initiated the move before the ball was worked towards Hardik Bhatt on the left. Bhatt’s delivery found Daniel Ramírez, who helped move the ball into the centre. Edmund continued his run, regained possession and displayed excellent composure to evade the goalkeeper and defender before finishing at the near post.
With East Bengal leading 3-0, Mohun Bagan were suddenly facing a formidable deficit.
The Mariners continued searching for an opening and eventually found one in the 33rd minute. Lalengmawia released Manvir Singh with a well-weighted through ball. Manvir entered the penalty area, cut inside and produced a composed finish towards the far post to make the score 3-1.
Edmund Completes His Hat-Trick
Mohun Bagan began to regain some momentum, but East Bengal delivered another decisive blow immediately before half-time.
In the 44th minute, Basim Rashid sent a free-kick from the right towards the far side of the penalty area. Jay Gupta redirected the ball across goal, where Edmund Lalrindika was perfectly positioned to complete his hat-trick.
East Bengal went into the break with an imposing 4-1 advantage.
Mariners Press After the Break
Mohun Bagan made changes at the interval and attempted to reduce the deficit, but East Bengal’s defensive organisation remained strong.
Subhasish Bose’s cross was dealt with by Lalchungnunga early in the second half, while Anwar Ali produced a timely interception to prevent a promising combination involving substitute Miguel Ferreira and Manvir.
In the 58th minute, Liston Colaco came close with a powerful curling free-kick from the left side of the box. Once again, Gill stood firm, making another crucial save.
East Bengal also continued to threaten on the counter. Bipin Singh tested Kaith in the 65th minute, while Jay Gupta made an important defensive clearance to halt another Manvir attack.
East Bengal Hold Their Ground
As the second half progressed, Mohun Bagan enjoyed considerable possession and introduced further attacking options, including Lallianzuala Chhangte, Miguel Ferreira and Sahal Abdul Samad.
East Bengal’s defensive unit—featuring Sandip Mandi, Anwar Ali and Hardik Bhatt—remained disciplined, repeatedly breaking up attacks before they could develop into clear scoring opportunities.
The champions increasingly relied on counter-attacking football. Jesin T.K. Thonikkara had an opportunity in the 71st minute following a run from the left, but Kaith blocked the effort.
Mohun Bagan continued to search for another breakthrough, while Jeakson Singh worked tirelessly in midfield to help East Bengal maintain their defensive structure.
Kiyan Nassiri Giri came close in the 86th minute after turning inside the penalty area, but his attempt lacked the accuracy required to trouble Gill.
Even in stoppage time, Mohun Bagan continued pressing. Jamie Maclaren had a late opportunity, but Gill comfortably gathered his effort.
East Bengal Back on Top
The final whistle confirmed a spectacular 4-1 victory for East Bengal FC, securing the club’s 17th Durand Cup crown.
The achievement carries particular significance because it places East Bengal alongside their historic rivals Mohun Bagan at the summit of the tournament’s honours list, with 17 titles apiece.
For East Bengal supporters, the victory represents not merely another trophy but a memorable triumph over their fiercest rivals on one of Indian football’s biggest stages.
Individual Honours
The final also saw several players recognised for their performances during the tournament:
- Golden Glove: Vishal Kaith — Mohun Bagan Super Giant
- Golden Boot: Alaaeddine Ajaraie — NorthEast United FC
- Golden Ball: Edmund Lalrindika — East Bengal FC
According to the supplied match information, each individual award winner received a ₹3 lakh cash prize, while the Golden Ball recipient was additionally presented with the key to an SUV.
East Bengal FC – 4 (Th. Bipin Singh 10′, Edmund Lalrindika 12′, 22′, 44′)
Mohun Bagan Super Giant – 1 (Manvir Singh 33′)
East Bengal’s 17th Durand Cup title has now added another unforgettable chapter to the historic Kolkata derby.
— Suman Munshi
Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
