Edmund Lalrindika’s Hat-Trick Gives East Bengal a Statement Derby Win in Durand Cup Final

Durand Cup Final: The Kolkata Derby doesn’t often get settled this comprehensively. East Bengal delivered a ruthless 4-1 demolition of Mohun Bagan at Salt Lake Stadium, storming to their 17th Durand Cup title with a first-half blitz that left the Mariners chasing shadows from the opening whistle.

A Brutal 22-Minute Opening Salvo

Bipin Singh cut through Mohun Bagan’s defence with a cool finish in the 10th minute, before Edmund Lalrindika struck twice in quick succession — the 11th and 22nd minutes — to hand East Bengal a stunning 3-0 lead inside the first half-hour. Manvir Singh pulled one back for the Mariners in the 33rd minute, but Edmund completed his hat-trick just before halftime, effectively ending the contest before the break.

Durand Cup Final: Match Summary

The Tactical Masterstroke

Habas, who had already lost to Mohun Bagan earlier in the group stage, threw a genuine curveball by starting Edmund Lalrindika up front instead of Jesin TK and deploying Jay Gupta on the left wing. The switch left the Mariners unable to settle into their marking assignments, opening up the space East Bengal ruthlessly exploited in transition.

Where Mohun Bagan Fell Apart

Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis’ decision to bench in-form Sahal Abdul Samad backfired badly, with Samir Zeljkovic struggling in an unfamiliar advanced midfield role, leaving the centre-backs badly exposed. Meanwhile, penalty-shootout hero Vishal Kaith endured a forgettable final, nutmegged for the opener and questionable in his positioning for two more.

Why It Matters

For Habas, the win doubles as sweet personal revenge against his former club, while East Bengal’s dominant derby statement sends a clear early-season warning to their fiercest rivals. Full tournament records are available on the official Durand Cup website.

For more Durand Cup coverage and Kolkata Derby updates, check out our Football section on TechnoSports.