East Bengal and Mohun Bagan SG were victorious in their opening fixture of the Kalinga Super Cup 2024, defeating Hyderabad FC and Sreenidi Deccan respectively.
Group A was always destined to be the group of death right after it was announced, and the two Kolkata clubs now have the advantage heading into the second round of fixtures while Hyderabad FC’s struggles continue and Sreenidi Deccan try to compete with much better supported ISL clubs.
Kalinga Super Cup 2024 results Group A: East Bengal and Mohun Bagan win
Both teams had to dig deep to win their opening matches in the tournament. Kicking off at 2pm IST, East Bengal defeated Hyderabad FC by a scoreline of 3-2, with Cleiton Silva scoring a brace for his side, including a spectacular free kick to add to the goals he has already scored this season.
Borja Herrera scored a header in the 79th minute to ensure that his side earned all three points in the game, after the Nizams fought their way back into the game to make it 2-2.
On the other hand, Mohun Bagan SG prepared for their first match after the resignation of Juan Ferrando. Assistant coach Clifford Miranda took charge of the first team for their game against Sreenidi Deccan, and it took a 70th minute goal from Armando Sadiku to help the Mariners to a win.
Jason Cummings equalised right before half time, after William Alves took a shocking lead for his side. But, after fighting back into the game, the reigning ISL winners left with all three points.
After the bright start to the tournament, things will only get more interesting as East Bengal FC face Sreenidi Deccan while Mohun Bagan SG face Hyderabad FC in their next game on January 14. The final round will see the two Kolkata giants face off in a high-stakes derby on January 19.
