EAST BENGAL WON the Kolkata Derby after 4 long years at the Durand Cup.
After losing 8 straight matches to Mohun Bagan, the Red and Golds finally won back the Derby bragging rights at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
Although the Mariners started well and created chances, their finishing in the final third was poor, and the East Bengal defence remained strong. The closest Bagan came to scoring all game was when Anwar Ali dispatched a surprise long ranger that rattled the woodwork.
But East Bengal held on through the first half and at the hour mark, they struck back. After winning the ball in their own half, they quickly rose for a counter and Nandhakumar Sekar struck a beautiful finish past the Mohun Bagan keeper.
With this win, East Bengal are at 4 points from 2 games and they have earned themselves a fighting chance to top the group if they beat Punjab FC in their last match. For now, Mohun Bagan are still at the top of the group with 6 points. But their hopes of qualifying for the quarter finals depend on how other teams perform.