East Bengal FC defeated Jamshedpur FC 2-0 in the semi-finals to guarantee their spot in the Kalinga Super Cup final with an exciting display of skill and tenacity. The game, which was played on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the Kalinga Stadium Main Pitch in Bhubaneswar, highlighted East Bengal’s skill as they displayed both attacking and defensive tenacity.
With this victory, East Bengal has advanced to the Durand Cup final, their second final appearance of the season. Under the direction of coach Carles Cuadrat, the Red and Gold Brigade played a fantastic game, and thanks to their important goals, Hijazi Maher and Javier Siverio emerged as the game’s heroes.
East Bengal exerted control over the game right away, preventing Jamshedpur FC from having many meaningful chances to take the lead. Jamshedpur FC’s midfielders started multiple attacking moves despite the absence of star striker Daniel Chima Chukwu due to suspension. However, they were unable to convert because of their forwards’ ineffectiveness in front of goal.
In his post-match remarks, Coach Cuadrat praised his team’s defensive tenacity and compactness, highlighting their ability to capitalize on attacking opportunities and win second balls. East Bengal took the lead in the 19th minute when Hijazi Maher calmly slotted the ball past Jamshedpur’s defense after a well-placed pass from Saul Crespo.
Determined to make a statement, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Bernard Manzorro, and Steve Ambri led a flurry of attacks for Jamshedpur FC. Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, the goalkeeper, led East Bengal’s defense, which was uncompromising despite their constant efforts and produced a great performance to preserve a clean sheet.
Early in the second half, Nandhakumar Sekar’s accurate cross found Javier Siverio, who skillfully sidestepped his defender and found the back of the net to double East Bengal’s lead. East Bengal had a comfortable cushion after the goal, but they didn’t let up, trying to increase their lead.
When Sayan Banerjee was fouled in the box and Cleiton Silva was given a penalty in the final moments of the game, East Bengal had a chance to score another goal. But Silva’s hard shot struck the crossbar, keeping East Bengal from scoring a third goal but guaranteeing their spot in the championship game.
All things considered, East Bengal’s triumph over Jamshedpur FC was evidence of their tactical prowess, tenacity on defense, and clinical finishing. East Bengal will surely go into the final with confidence and a determination to win the Kalinga Super Cup title, as they eagerly await the result of the semi-final match between Odisha FC and Mumbai City FC to find out their ultimate opponents.
East Bengal FC Starting XI
Prabhs Ukhan Singh Gill (GK), Jose Antonio Pardo Lucas, Cleiton Augusto Oliveira Silva (C), Nandha Kumar, Mohamad Rakip, Hijazi Maher, Saul Crespo Prieto, Nishu Kumar, Souvik Chakrabarti, P V Vishnu, Javier Siverio Toro
Jamshedpur FC Starting XI
Rehenesh Thumbirumbu Paramba (GK), Rei Tachikawa, Jeremy Philippe Bernard Manzorro (C), Provat Lakra, Muhammed Uvais, Imran Khan, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Pratik Chowdhary, Germanpreet Singh, Steve Ambri, Elson Jose Dias Junior
