Kolkata, October 25: The AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 opener between East Bengal FC and Dempo SC ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw on Saturday in the late afternoon at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim.The encounter had everything, early chances, stunning goals, missed opportunities, and late drama, perfectly setting the tone for the new season.
A fast-paced first half:
East Bengal started brightly, pressing high and creating early chances. In just the 2nd minute, Naorem Mahesh whipped in a dangerous low cross from the left flank that found Hiroshi, but the Japanese forward’s first-time effort thundered off the crossbar and bounced back into play.
The Red & Golds continued to push forward as Saul’s defence-splitting pass found Hiroshi in the 13th minute, though his attempt to set up Hamid with a pass went too long. At the other end, Dempo gradually settled and began to look dangerous on the counter.
In the 27th minute, Dempo took the lead against the run of play. From a floated free-kick, East Bengal keeper Debjit Majumder came off his line to punch the ball but misjudged the moment, allowing Mohamed Ali to send the ball into an empty net, giving Dempo a 1-0 lead at the break.
Second-half turnaround:
East Bengal came out firing in the second half and found their equaliser almost instantly. In the 46th minute, Miguel’s long-range strike was fisted out by the Dempo keeper, and Mahesh reacted quickest to the rebound with a low finish, bringing East Bengal back level at 1-1.
The momentum completely shifted as the Red And Gold brigade took control. In the 57th minute, Miguel’s stunner give East Bengal the lead. Sprinting down the left flank, he latched onto a pass and fired a bouncing shot from a tight angle that left the keeper to watch.
East Bengal came close to extending their lead in the 63rd minute when Mahesh cut inside and unleashed a curler that struck the crossbar. Miguel also tested the keeper later in the 76th minute, but his effort was well saved by the keeper.
Just as East Bengal looked to secure all three points, Lakshiman Rao Rane silenced with a late equaliser in the 89th minute. The super-sub showed great composure at the edge of the box, shielding the ball under pressure before sending a precise low shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.
The tension boiled over in stoppage time as Nestor received his second yellow card and was sent off in the 90+5th minute, leaving Dempo down to ten men.
The opening fixture of the Super Cup truly lived up to its billing, end-to-end football, quality finishes, and drama right till the final whistle. East Bengal will feel they let two points slip after dominating large spells, while Dempo will take heart from their fighting spirit and resilience. East Bengal FC have their next fixtures against Chennaiyin FC on October 28. Dempo SC will play against Mohun Bagan SG on the same date.
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