Kolkata, August 23, 2026: East Bengal FC produced a dominant performance to defeat arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday.
The victory earned East Bengal their 17th Durand Cup title and moved them level with Mohun Bagan in the all-time list of winners. Edmund Lalrindika was the star of the evening, scoring a stunning hat-trick.
Mohun Bagan started brightly and looked to control possession through Anirudh Thapa and Liston Colaco. However, East Bengal struck twice in quick succession to take command.
In the 10th minute, captain Mohamad Basim Rashid released Th. Bipin Singh with a superb through ball. Bipin kept his composure and finished into the far corner.
Just two minutes later, Lalrindika doubled the advantage with a powerful strike from outside the box that gave Vishal Kaith no chance.
Mohun Bagan tried to respond. Liston Colaco’s free-kick forced an excellent save from East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. But East Bengal continued to look dangerous on the counter.
Lalrindika scored his second in the 22nd minute after a brilliant team move. He combined with Hardik Bhatt and Daniel Ramírez before beating Kaith and finishing from close range.
Mohun Bagan finally pulled one back in the 33rd minute. Lalengmawia’s through ball sent Manvir Singh into the box, and the forward produced a fine finish to make it 3-1.
The Mariners continued to press for another goal, but East Bengal remained organised. Their efforts were rewarded just before half-time when Lalrindika completed his hat-trick. Basim Rashid’s free-kick was redirected across goal by Jay Gupta, allowing Lalrindika to finish from close range.
East Bengal went into the break with a 4-1 lead.
Mohun Bagan made changes after the restart and continued to attack. Colaco again tested Gill with a dangerous free-kick in the 58th minute, but the goalkeeper produced another fine save.
East Bengal remained disciplined at the back and looked threatening on the counter. Bipin also tested Kaith, while the Mariners struggled to find a way through the Red and Gold defence.
Mohun Bagan brought on Lallianzuala Chhangte, Miguel Ferreira and Sahal Abdul Samad in an effort to change the game. However, East Bengal’s defensive unit remained composed until the final whistle.
The 4-1 victory sealed a memorable title triumph for East Bengal and added another chapter to the historic Kolkata Derby rivalry.
Individual Awards
Golden Glove: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG)
Golden Boot: Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)
Golden Ball: Edmund Lalrindika (East Bengal FC)
Each award winner received a ₹3 lakh cheque, while Golden Ball winner Edmund Lalrindika was also presented with the key to an SUV.
