East Bengal FC stormed back in style, crushing a hapless CISF Protectors 8-0 in a Group A league match of the 135th Durand Cup at the Kishore Bharati Stadium here on Friday to register its first win of the tournament.
P.V. Vishnu was the star of the evening, scoring a brilliant hat-trick, while substitute Jesin T.K. struck twice. Jeakson Singh and substitute Bipin Singh added a goal each while CISF defender Mohammad Khalid’s own goal completed the rout.
The emphatic victory marked a strong response from the Indian Super League champion, which had suffered a 1-0 defeat to traditional rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in its opening fixture. CISF Protectors, representing the Delhi Premier League, was no match for East Bengal, which dominated proceedings with more than 80 percent possession and translated its superiority into a comprehensive win.
In another match played earlier in the day, Shillong Lajong FC began its Group E campaign on a successful note defeating local challenger Nongkseh Sports and Cultural Club 2-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. After a hard-fought first half ended goalless, Everbrightson Sana broke the deadlock late in the 70th minute before Tremiki Lamurong sealed the win with a second goal in the 86th minute.
The results: Group E (Shillong): Shillong Lajong FC 2 (Everbrightson Sana 70, Tremiki Lamurong 86) bt Nongkseh SS & CC 0
Group A (Kolkata): East Bengal FC 8 (P.V. Vishnu 37, 46, 76, Mohammad Khalid 42-og, Jeakson Singh 45+3, Bipin Singh 64, Jesin T.K. 70, 73) bt CISF Protectors 0.
Published – July 31, 2026 09:50 pm IST
