East Bengal FC sent a resounding message to their Durand Cup rivals with a spectacular 6-1 demolition of Indian Air Force FT, completing a perfect group stage campaign. The Red and Gold Brigade’s clinical performance at Kishore Bharati Krirangan showcased the depth and quality that makes them genuine contenders for India’s oldest football tournament.
Table of Contents
Match Summary: A Statement Performance
Six different scorers found the net as Oscar Bruzon’s tactical rotations paid dividends spectacularly. The Moroccan striker Hamid Ahadad opened the floodgates in the 7th minute, setting the tone for what would become a masterclass in attacking football.
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Final Score | East Bengal FC 6-1 Indian Air Force FT |
| Competition | 134th IndianOil Durand Cup – Group A |
| Venue | Kishore Bharati Krirangan |
| East Bengal Scorers | Ahadad (7′), Bipin Singh (25′), Anwar Ali (63′), Basim Rashid (68′), Saul Crespo (85′), David Hmer (90′) |
| Air Force Scorer | Aman Khan (36′) |
| Group Standing | East Bengal topped Group A with 9 points |
| Next Stage | Qualified for knockout rounds |
FT | 3️⃣/3️⃣ WINS IN THE GROUP ❤️💛#JoyEastBengal #EEBFCIAFT #134thEditionofIndianOilDurandCup pic.twitter.com/1AYP0vIjtY
— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) August 10, 2025
First Half: Setting the Foundation
East Bengal’s intent was clear from the opening whistle. The Moroccan striker, fresh from scoring on debut, continued his fine form by opening the scoring in the 7th minute, calmly slotting home at the far post with his head after Edmund’s measured cross.
Bipin Singh doubled the advantage in the 25th minute, showcasing the clinical finishing that has become East Bengal’s trademark under Bruzon’s tactical system. However, Indian Air Force showed resilience when Aman Khan pulled one back with a perfectly placed header, keeping the contest alive at halftime.
Second Half: The Floodgates Open
The second half belonged entirely to the Red and Gold Brigade. Anwar Ali’s towering header from Miguel Figueira’s corner restored the two-goal cushion, before the substitutes took center stage.
Bruzon’s strategic changes proved masterful, with Basim Rashid, Saul Crespo, and David Hmer all finding the net. The substitute drilled a precise strike past Basu for 4–1, before Crespo and Hmer completed the rout with clinical finishes.
Tactical Brilliance from Bruzon
Oscar Bruzon’s decision to rotate five players demonstrated the squad depth that could prove crucial in the knockout stages of the Durand Cup. The Spanish tactician’s 4-3-3 formation allowed East Bengal to dominate possession while maintaining defensive solidity.
The strategic use of substitutions particularly stood out, with three of the six goals coming from players introduced in the second half.
Third consecutive qualification into the Durand knockouts! 👊
— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) August 10, 2025
WE MARCH ON! 🪜#JoyEastBengal #EmamiEastBengal #134thEditionofIndianOilDurandCup pic.twitter.com/NVv5IaKKdb
Looking Ahead: Championship Ambitions
This emphatic victory sends a clear message to potential knockout opponents. East Bengal’s perfect group stage record (three wins from three matches) positions them as serious Durand Cup title contenders, with their attacking prowess and tactical flexibility on full display.
The Red and Gold Brigade’s ability to score six goals with six different players highlights the squad depth that could prove decisive in the tournament’s latter stages. With established stars like Cleiton Silva yet to feature prominently, East Bengal’s best football may still be ahead.
The Road Forward
As East Bengal advances to the knockout rounds, this comprehensive victory serves as both confidence booster and tactical template. The seamless integration of youth and experience, combined with Bruzon’s astute management, suggests the legendary Kolkata club is primed for a deep tournament run.
Bottom Line: East Bengal FC’s 6-1 thrashing of Indian Air Force wasn’t just a group stage finale – it was a championship statement that rivals across Indian football would do well to heed.
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