East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan is an exhilarating clash that transcends time and ignites the passion of football fans in Kolkata. Known as the “Boro Match” locally, the Kolkata Derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan is a rivalry that spans almost a century. These fierce encounters have witnessed monumental attendance and intense competition between loyal supporters. In fact, this historic feud is widely regarded as one of the greatest Asian footballing rivalries and holds its place among the biggest derbies worldwide.
The roots of this epic rivalry trace back to the inaugural match on 8th August 1921, which took place during the Cooch Behar Cup. Since then, the Kolkata Derby has become a spectacle of pure footballing fervor. The most recent showdown unfolded on 25th February 2023 in the Indian Super League, showcasing the enduring nature of this enthralling contest.
The intensity of this derby is unrivaled, as these two clubs lock horns at least three times a year. Twice, they meet in the Indian Super League, the top-flight competition of Indian football, and once in the prestigious Calcutta Football League. However, their encounters are not confined to these tournaments alone. Often, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan cross paths in other fiercely contested competitions like the Durand Cup, IFA Shield, and Super Cup, amplifying the stakes and igniting the spirits of their devoted fanbases.
Make no mistake—the Kolkata Derby is not just a local spectacle; it has earned its place among the pantheon of great football rivalries. From the passionate chants echoing through the stands to the breathtaking display of skills on the pitch, this clash of titans is a testament to the enduring spirit of the beautiful game.
East Bengal’s Reinvention: New Coach, Key Signings, and Transfer Buzz Ahead of the 2023-24 Season
It is an exciting new chapter in the history of East Bengal Football Club! The 2023-24 season is about to kick off, marking their impressive 104th season and fourth appearance in the prestigious Indian Super League, the pinnacle of Indian football.
After a disappointing performance in the previous season, East Bengal made some bold moves to shake things up. They bid farewell to head coach Stephen Constantine and welcomed aboard Carles Cuadrat, a former Indian Super League champion, as their new head coach. This two-year contract promises a fresh perspective and renewed energy for the team.
But that’s not all! The club made strategic acquisitions to bolster their squad. They secured the talents of Nandhakumar Sekar, an exceptional winger from Odisha, and Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, a skilled midfielder from Chennaiyin. And that’s not all—they also brought in a trio of Spanish players: Javier Siverio and Borja Herrera from Hyderabad, and Saúl Crespo from Odisha. These new additions are sure to inject some dynamic flair into East Bengal’s gameplay.
In an effort to refine their squad, East Bengal bid farewell to eleven players whose contracts had come to an end. Among them were five foreign players from the previous season, along with notable Indian players such as Jerry Lalrinzuala, Semboi Haokip, and Amarjit Singh Kiyam. However, they managed to retain the services of Cleiton Silva. Moreover, they made a nostalgic move by welcoming back club legend Harmanjot Singh Khabra, who previously spent seven successful years with the club from 2009 to 2016. Another notable addition to the team is left-back Mandar Rao Dessai.
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | +/- | PTS |
| 1 | Mumbai City | 20 | 14 | 4 | 2 | 54 | 21 | +33 | 46 |
| 2 | Hyderabad | 20 | 13 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 16 | +20 | 42 |
| 3 | Mohun Bagan SG | 20 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 24 | 17 | +7 | 34 |
| 4 | Bengaluru | 20 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 27 | 23 | +4 | 34 |
| 5 | Kerala Blasters | 20 | 10 | 1 | 9 | 28 | 28 | 0 | 31 |
| 6 | Odisha | 20 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 30 | 32 | -2 | 30 |
| 7 | Goa | 20 | 8 | 3 | 9 | 36 | 35 | +1 | 27 |
| 8 | Chennaiyin | 20 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 36 | 37 | -1 | 27 |
| 9 | East Bengal | 20 | 6 | 1 | 13 | 22 | 38 | -16 | 19 |
| 10 | Jamshedpur | 20 | 5 | 4 | 11 | 21 | 32 | -11 | 19 |
| 11 | NorthEast United | 20 | 1 | 2 | 17 | 20 | 55 | -35 | 5 |
The excitement continued as East Bengal wasted no time in securing key signings. First, they sealed the deal with Nandhakumar Sekar on a three-year contract, bringing his impressive skills to the team. Then, they added Spanish midfielder Borja Herrera to their ranks, signing him on a one-year contract as a free transfer.
The club further strengthened their defense with the loan signing of Nishu Kumar from Kerala Blasters for one year. As if that weren’t enough, they finalized their Spanish duo by bringing in Javier Siverio and Saúl Crespo on one-year contracts. Finally, they completed their impressive lineup by securing Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, and Mandar Rao Dessai.
With these new signings and the guidance of their dynamic head coach, East Bengal is ready to unleash their talents on the Indian Super League stage.
Here's my 11 for East Bengal
— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) July 10, 2023
Gill
Khabra, Nunga, foreigner, Nishu
Saul, Souvik
Mahesh, Borja, Nandha
Cleiton https://t.co/SdSbZ0jdhQ
Transfer Buzz: East Bengal’s Potential Signings for an Exciting 2024 Season
Get ready for some exciting transfer rumors swirling around East Bengal as they gear up for the upcoming 2024 season! These potential signings have football fans buzzing with anticipation:
- First up, we have Gursimrat Singh Gill, a talented center-back from India who is currently without a club. The rumor mill suggests that East Bengal is looking to secure his services for a fee of ₹40 lakh. This potential addition could bolster their defensive line and add strength to their backline.
- Next on the list is Gurnaj Singh Grewal, a promising young midfielder from the Chandigarh Football Academy in India. At just 16 years old, Grewal has been making waves with his impressive skills. There’s a strong possibility that East Bengal is eyeing him for a potential transfer, injecting some youthful energy into their midfield.
- Another exciting prospect is Vanlalpeka Guite, a 16-year-old midfielder currently playing for Aizawl FC U18. East Bengal has reportedly set their sights on this talented youngster, recognizing his potential to make a significant impact on the team’s attacking prowess.
- Shifting focus to the left wing, the club is rumored to be interested in Gurkirat Singh, a 19-year-old currently with Mumbai City FC. Singh’s pace and flair on the field have caught the attention of East Bengal, who may be willing to shell out ₹40 lakh to secure his services.
- On the defensive front, East Bengal is eyeing Narender Gahlot, a 22-year-old center-back from Odisha FC. The club is reportedly in negotiations for a potential transfer worth ₹1.8 crore, which could fortify their backline and provide added solidity to their defense.
- Another potential defensive reinforcement is Fares Arnaout, a 26-year-old center-back from Syria who currently plays for FC Goa. East Bengal has expressed interest in securing Arnaout’s services for a fee of ₹2.8 crore. His experience and defensive prowess could be a valuable asset to the team.
- Turning to the attacking front, the club is rumored to be pursuing Rahim Ali, a 23-year-old center-forward from Chennaiyin FC. With a transfer fee of ₹1.6 crore being discussed, Ali’s goal-scoring ability and attacking instincts could provide East Bengal with a potent offensive threat.
- In the midfield, East Bengal has their sights set on Hitesh Sharma, a 25-year-old central midfielder currently with Hyderabad FC. The club is reportedly in advanced talks for a potential transfer worth ₹1.6 crore. Sharma’s creativity and vision on the field could add a new dimension to East Bengal’s midfield play.
- Adding an international flavor to the mix, East Bengal is said to be interested in James Donachie, a 30-year-old center-back from Australia who currently plays for Western United FC. While the transfer percentage stands at 19% currently, his experience and defensive prowess make him an attractive prospect for the team.
- Last but certainly not least, there are rumors swirling around the potential signing of Hugo Boumous, a 27-year-old attacking midfielder of Moroccan and French descent. Boumous, currently with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, could bring a wealth of attacking talent and creativity to East Bengal if a ₹6 crore deal were to be finalized.
While these are just rumors for now, they have certainly ignited the imaginations of East Bengal supporters. Keep an eye on these developments as the club aims to strengthen their squad and make a resounding impact in the upcoming season.
Unleashing a New Era: Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Transformation for the 2024 Season
Get ready for a season filled with excitement as Mohun Bagan Super Giant (formerly known as ATK Mohun Bagan) sets foot on the Indian Super League stage for their fourth campaign, marking a remarkable 134th season since their establishment back in 1889.
In a surprising turn of events, club owner Sanjeev Goenka made a stunning announcement after their victory in the 2023 Indian Super League Final. He revealed that ATK Mohun Bagan would be rebranded as Mohun Bagan Super Giant starting from the next season. This bold move is set to breathe new life into the club, bringing a fresh identity and renewed energy to the field.
But that’s not all! Mohun Bagan SG secured their spot in the 2023-24 AFC Cup Preliminary round after a thrilling 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Hyderabad FC on 3rd May 2023. This accomplishment sets the stage for an exhilarating international campaign, as the team prepares to face formidable opponents and showcase their skills on a broader stage.
Will Sahal Abdul Samad sign for Mohun Bagan Super Giant?
The rumor mill is abuzz with whispers that Mohun Bagan has set their sights on this talented playmaker and they might be able to sign him for a potential transfer fee of ₹2.2 crore.
My 11 for Bagan as of now
— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) July 10, 2023
Vishal
Ashish, Anwar, Hamil, Subhasish
Glan, Thapa
Dimi, Hugo, Ashique
Cummings https://t.co/KhpcXRm09O
Let’s take a closer look at the club’s incoming and outgoing transfers, as they fine-tune their squad for the challenges that lie ahead. Mohun Bagan SG welcomed several new talents to their ranks.
- Anwar Ali, a promising defender, joined on loan from India Delhi FC on 9th May.
- Then, the team made an undisclosed signing of Australian striker Jason Cummings from Australia Central Coast Mariners FC on 4th June, adding firepower to their attacking options.
- Additionally, they secured the services of Indian midfielder Anirudh Thapa from Chennaiyin FC on 15th June, and the young Indian forward Shubho Paul from Sudeva Delhi FC on 16th June.
- As a testament to their global aspirations, Mohun Bagan SG signed Albanian striker Armando Sadiku on a free transfer from Spain’s Cartagena FC on 25th June. These talented players are ready to don the famous colors and make a lasting impact on the pitch.
In terms of outgoing transfers, the team bid farewell to some familiar faces. Spanish center-back Tiri’s contract expired, leading him to join Mumbai City FC. Montenegrin defender Slavko Damjanović also saw his contract come to an end, and he made his move to Bengaluru FC. Additionally, Uruguay’s Federico Gallego and Indian midfielders Ricky Shabong and Lalthathanga Khawlhring departed the club, each pursuing new opportunities.
As the new season approaches, Mohun Bagan Super Giant is gearing up for an unforgettable journey. With fresh talent and renewed determination, they are poised to challenge the best teams in the Indian Super League and make their mark on the AFC Cup.
An exciting transfer rumor that’s causing a stir among football enthusiasts as Mohun Bagan prepares for the highly anticipated 2024 season!
The name on everyone’s lips is Sahal Abdul Samad, a sensational attacking midfielder hailing from India and currently making waves with Kerala Blasters FC. The rumor mill is abuzz with whispers that Mohun Bagan has set their sights on this talented playmaker. It’s even suggested that a potential transfer fee of ₹2.2 crore is being discussed. Just imagine the possibilities of Samad’s electrifying skills and goal-scoring prowess joining the ranks of Mohun Bagan’s attacking force!
