Powered by an Edmund Lalrindika hat-trick, East Bengal stormed past arch-rivals Mohun Bagan 4-1 in Guwahati to equal the record for most Durand Cup titles.
East Bengal produced a dominant performance to defeat arch-rivals Mohun Bagan 4-1 in Guwahati, lifting the Durand Cup for a record-equalling 17th time on Sunday. Edmund Lalrindika starred for the champions, scoring a first-half hat-trick in a commanding final display.
East Bengal set a blistering pace early on, scoring four times in the opening period. Captain Mohammed Rashid orchestrated the midfield, creating several goalscoring opportunities for his side. Bipin Singh opened the scoring in the 10th minute following an assist from Rashid, before Lalrindika doubled the advantage just two minutes later. Lalrindika struck again in the 22nd minute to extend the lead to 3-0.
Mohun Bagan pulled a goal back through Manvir Singh in the 33rd minute to offer the Mariners a glimmer of hope. However, East Bengal quickly reasserted control as Lalrindika completed his hat-trick in the 44th minute, again set up by Rashid.
East Bengal remained disciplined and organised throughout the second half, preventing Mohun Bagan from mounting a comeback. The victory also served as revenge for East Bengal following their 0-1 loss to Mohun Bagan in the 2023 Durand Cup final.
The triumph brings East Bengal level with Mohun Bagan on 17 Durand Cup titles. The two historic Kolkata clubs now share the record for the most titles in the 135-year history of the tournament.
Reporting sourced from NorthEast Now Sports (Manipur/NE). Photo courtesy NorthEast Now Sports (Manipur/NE).