Lalrindika and Bipin were on the scoresheet for East Bengal.
| Photo Credit: Durand Cup
East Bengal FC produced one of its most dominant performances in recent memory as it swept past arch-rival Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the 135th Durand Cup final to reclaim the trophy after a 22-year wait.
Edmund Lalrindika was the star of the show, scoring a memorable hat-trick and turning the Kolkata derby into a one-sided affair. Bipin Singh, too, found the net for EBFC while Manvir Singh scored Bagan’s only goal.
Bagan looked composed in the opening exchanges, patiently building from the back and seeking to control possession. East Bengal, however, showed that clinical finishing counts for more than elaborate build-up play.
Its direct approach, built around quick forward passes and exploiting spaces in Bagan’s defensive line, repeatedly unsettled the Mariners.
Lalrindika opened his account in the 11th minute with a superb low strike from outside the box. He doubled the advantage 11 minutes later. Collecting a pass from Dani Ramirez, Lalrindika took two touches inside the Bagan area to evade the advancing Vishal Kaith and slot the ball into an empty net.
The Bagan defence struggled to contain East Bengal’s attacking momentum, and the forward completed his hat-trick in the 44th minute. He positioned himself perfectly to meet Jay Gupta’s cross and tapped the ball home.
The contest was effectively settled by half-time.
The result: Final: East Bengal FC 4 (Bipin Singh 10, Edmund Lalrindika 11, 22, 44) bt Mohun Bagan SG 1 (Manvir Singh 33).
Published – August 23, 2026 08:27 pm IST
