Kolkata, July 23: Durand Cup 2025 kicked off with cultural events including Chhau dance, Baul performance, Bhangra, martial arts, and various other traditional programs, the 134th edition of the prestigious Durand Cup was officially inaugurated in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, and several other renowned personalities. The opening fixture featured Kolkata giants East Bengal FC taking on debutants South United FC from Bengaluru at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday evening.

East Bengal FC dominated right from kickoff, complete control with relentless attacking football. Their high-pressing game kept South United FC on the back foot throughout the first half, not allowing a single clear chance to the opposition.

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The breakthrough came early in the 12th minute when Rakip’s cross took a deflection off Noel, and Nunga capitalized on the rebound to slot it home, putting East Bengal FC ahead 1–0.

Nunga of East Bengal FC after scoring against South United FC

In the 27th minute, Vishnu made a brilliant solo run from the left side of the box and unleashed a powerful shot, but it was deflected and blocked by Milind Negi, showcasing East Bengal FC’s continued pressure in the final third.

Ten minutes later, in the 37th minute, from a goalbound moved Edmund was fouled inside the box after a clash with Abdul Salha, which caused a penalty kick to East Bengal FC, Saul Crespo calmly converted the penalty to double the lead for East Bengal FC. At halftime, East Bengal FC went into the break with a comfortable 2–0 advantage, having completely shut out South United’s attack and dominated possession and chances.

Saul Crespo after scoring against South United FC

East Bengal FC continued their dominance in the second half with full control over possession and momentum. The first major moment came in the 55th minute when Vishnu had to be substituted due to injury. Nanda Kumar came on to take his place in a forced change for the Red and Gold brigade.

In the 72nd minute when Bipin Singh made his debut for East Bengal, replacing Edmund. Just eight minutes later, Bipin marked his debut in style. In the 80th minute, after receiving a well-timed pass from Diamantakos, Bipin from inside the box calmly placed the ball into the net to make it 3–0.

East Bengal didn’t stop there. In the 88th minute, following foul in the edge of the box, Diamantakos found the net once again after Mahesh was fouled by Talib Nazir, the scoreline moved to 4–0. for completing the five star Performance Mahesh scored in added time at 90+1st minute with a stunning long-range effort, sealing a commanding 5–0 victory for East Bengal FC.

Last time, East Bengal FC won 5–0 against NorthEast United FC back in December 2023. Now, in today’s evening match against debutants South United FC, the Red and Gold Brigade sealed a comfortable 5–0 win to kick off their Durand Cup 2025 campaign in giant style.

Next fixtures of both:
South United FC will play their next match against Indian Air Force on 27th July. East Bengal FC will play against Namdhari FC on August 6.