East Bengal FC kicked off their Kalinga Super Cup 2024 campaign in spectacular fashion, clinching a thrilling 3-2 victory against an all-Indian lineup fielded by Hyderabad FC on Tuesday, January 9. The match showcased the resilience of both teams, with Cleiton Silva emerging as the hero for the Torchbearers with a decisive brace.
From the outset, East Bengal asserted their dominance, enjoying a fiery spell in the first quarter that kept the Nizams on their toes. Nandhakumar Sekar came close to opening the scoring in the eighth minute, displaying remarkable synergy with Cleiton Silva, who laid off a precise cross from Nishu Kumar. Despite a first-time volley from Nandha, Hyderabad’s goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani managed a fingertip save, denying the home team an early lead.
Minutes later, Cleiton Silva found himself with an open goal opportunity but failed to capitalize, skying his effort in a momentary lapse of composure. However, the Brazilian marksman redeemed himself in the 33rd minute when Mohammed Rakip delivered a tantalizing cross. Cleiton displayed acrobatic finesse, stabbing the ball into the net and breaking the deadlock to give East Bengal a well-deserved lead.
Despite the Red and Gold Brigade’s early dominance, Thangboi Singto’s men responded resoundingly just before the halftime whistle. At the 45-minute mark, Ramhlunchhunga slotted the ball past East Bengal’s goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill to equalize. The sleek move was initiated by an inch-perfect through ball from Mohammed Rafi down the right flank, leaving both teams level at 1-1 as they headed into the break.
Saul Crespo seals East Bengal FC victory with a decisive late header, securing the win over a resilient Hyderabad FC in the 1st match of Kalinga Super Cup 2024
The second half commenced with a more cautious approach from both sides, but it didn’t take long for East Bengal to regain their lead. Cleiton Silva, wearing the captain’s armband, once again led the scoring charge. After Souvik Chakrabarti was brought down just outside the opposition box, Cleiton stepped up to take the resulting free-kick. With expert precision, he curled the ball past Kattimani into the top-right corner, restoring East Bengal’s advantage.
Hyderabad FC, however, refused to accept defeat quietly. In the 78th minute, Souvik Chakrabarti, who had won a free-kick at the other end, conceded a penalty, and Nim Dorjee Tamang calmly slotted home the equalizer. The Nizams had shown remarkable resilience by coming back into the game twice, but East Bengal had one final blow to deliver.
The decisive moment came just before the 80-minute mark when Saul Crespo, a second-half substitute, found the back of the net with a perfectly placed header. Left unmarked from a corner, Crespo capitalized on the opportunity, securing the victory for East Bengal and leaving the Hyderabad defenders and goalkeeper helpless.
As the final whistle blew, the three points earned by East Bengal propelled them momentarily to the summit of Group A in the Kalinga Super Cup. However, their stay at the top was subject to the outcomes of later matches involving Mohun Bagan SG and Sreenidi Deccan. Carles Cuadrat, the coach of East Bengal, may have felt some relief as the nerves in the dugout settled, but the fixture highlighted areas for improvement, considering the numerous goal-mouth actions created by the Kolkata giants.
In conclusion, East Bengal’s opening clash in the Kalinga Super Cup provided fans with a rollercoaster of emotions, encapsulating the spirit of competitive football. Cleiton Silva’s heroics, coupled with contributions from other players, set the stage for an exciting tournament ahead. As the Torchbearers look to maintain their momentum, the Kalinga Super Cup promises more thrilling encounters and showcases the depth of talent in Indian football.
East Bengal FC Starting Lineup
Gill (GK), Pardo, Cleiton (C), Nandha, M. Rakip, Hijazi, Nishu, S Chakrabarti, Borja CJ, Gursimrat, Vishnu
Hyderabad FC Starting Lineup
Kattimani (GK) (C), M Rafi, Hitesh, Chote, Sailo, Nim, Manoj, Alex Saji, Chhungahmar, Rabeeh, Mark ZO
