East Bengal FC ended a 12-year trophy drought by defeating Odisha FC 3-2 in a thrilling final match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar to win the Kalinga Super Cup. On Sunday, January 28, 2024, both teams wowed the 10,121 spectators with their incredible tenacity and persistence during the match.
East Bengal’s victory journey had many turns and turns, much like a traditional underdog story. It was their first significant national championship since winning the 2012 Federation Cup, which is evidence of their tenacity and steadfastness over the years.
For an exhausting 120 minutes, the final itself was an emotional rollercoaster with fortunes swinging back and forth. Both teams demonstrated the real spirit of football as a contest of wills by fighting valiantly until the final whistle, even though they were reduced to 10 men at various points during the game.
The home team, Odisha FC, fought hard, with Diego Mauricio opening the score in the first half. Nevertheless, Nandha Kumar and Saul Crespo each scored a goal to help East Bengal respond with equal vigor and turn the tide in their favor. The red card for Odisha’s Mourtada Fall, which put them at a numerical disadvantage, caused a decisive shift in momentum.
But just when it appeared that East Bengal had the better of the match, Odisha struck back with a penalty kick from Ahmed Jahouh in injury time, sending the contest into extra time. With Souvik Chakrabarti of East Bengal being sent off, the drama continued and the playing field was leveled once more.
Amid the mayhem, East Bengal’s Cleiton Silva came through as the hero, scoring the game-winning goal and adding his name to the club’s legend by taking advantage of a mistake made by the opposition.
The game not only demonstrated the players’ tenacity but also the crucial role that certain individuals played. With his strong presence in midfield, Ahmed Jahouh stood out for Odisha FC, and Souvik Chakrabarti’s efforts to mark the Moroccan player demonstrated the tactical struggles that took place on the field.
Moreover, the arrival of Lal Chungnunga and Mahesh Naorem gave East Bengal’s attack a new lease on life, and these tactical adjustments proved crucial to their success. The combination of Mahesh and Nandha Kumar was so potent that it caused constant problems for the Odisha defense.
Both the players and the spectators recognized the significance of the moment as the final whistle blew, announcing East Bengal’s victory. It was the fruition of years of toil, devotion, and unshakable faith in their own abilities, validating the age-old proverb that “perseverance overcomes all obstacles.”
The post-match awards ceremony recognized exceptional players from both teams off the field. Odisha FC’s Lalthuammawia Ralte won Best Goalkeeper, and East Bengal FC’s Hijazi Maher took home Best Defender honors. Ahmed Jahouh was named the tournament’s Best Midfielder for his outstanding midfield play, while Cleiton Silva was named the tournament’s Highest Goalscorer.
Odisha FC’s Isak Vanlalruatfela won the Kalinga Player of the Tournament award in recognition of his outstanding play during the competition. Both teams also received recognition for their achievements, with East Bengal FC winning the coveted Champions title and Odisha FC taking home the Runners-up honors.
Dignitaries gave the winning team a cheque for Rs 25,00,000 as a token of gratitude, highlighting the importance of their accomplishment in elevating the club’s profile. The players, coaches, and supporters all shared in the joyous celebrations that followed as East Bengal FC reveled in their well-deserved victory.
The unforgettable memories of this exciting final will live on as a tribute to the enduring spirit of football and the unwavering determination of those who dare to dream and persevere in the face of overwhelming odds, even after the Kalinga Super Cup came to an end. For East Bengal FC, it was more than just a victory on the field; it was a representation of tenacity, willpower, and the strength of unwavering faith in the face of difficulty.
East Bengal FC Starting XI
Prabhsukhan (GK), Rakip, Pardo, Hijazi, Mandar, Saul, Souvik, Borja, Nandha, Cleiton (C), Siverio
Odisha FC Starting XI
L Ralte (GK), Amey, C Delgado, Puitea, Diego, Jahouh, CY Goddard, M Fall (C), Jerry L, Isak Ralte, Roy Krishna
